Danang Adolescents for the enviroment: Communication & Creative Storytelling Training
Da Nang – In February 2025, the Communication & Creative Storytelling Training for outstanding youth passionate about the environment and climate change in Da Nang was successfully held.
This initiative is part of the Healthy Cities for Adolescents Phase II Project in Da Nang (HCA-II Da Nang), funded by Fondation Botnar and managed by Ecorys UK. The program was organized by UNICEF Viet Nam in collaboration with the Vietnam-UK Institute for Research & Executive Education (VNUK – University of Da Nang) and Tohe Social Enterprise.
A survey conducted in October 2024 with 492 adolescents (aged 12-19) through online questionnaires, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions provided initial assessments of Da Nang adolescents’ awareness and peer communication skills regarding environmental issues. The survey results offer valuable insights and a foundation for developing innovative and relevant communication and training packages to promote peer education and environmental action in Da Nang.
Creating a Space for Youth Innovation
A total of 120 adolescents (ages 13-19) Da Nang, including 37 from disadvantaged groups, were selected to participate in the program. They not only gained knowledge and skills but also emerged as potential contributors to “Champion Press” – a youth-led journalism and media content creation model designed to provide young people with a platform to express their views and engage in important social issues, particularly Climate Change and Environmental Protection.
Therefore, this initiative offers adolescents the opportunity to work on topics they care about while developing skills in writing, scientific research, reporting, content creation, and critical thinking as they explore the world of media.
Training Journey – A Launchpad for Young Communicators
February 13, 2025: The first online training session featured interactive activities to help participants gain deeper insights into climate change and environmental issues, particularly those impacting their local communities. Participants explored impactful environmental communication campaigns and practiced crafting their own creative messages.
February 15-16, 2025: The in-person training at the Vietnam-UK Institute for Research & Executive Education (VNUK – University of Da Nang) provided hands-on experiences. Throughout the sessions, young participants learned about communication models, explored key elements of an effective campaign, and engaged in content creation, storytelling, and professional media production activities.
Nurturing Young Communicators – Amplifying Voices for the Environment
The training course is not only an opportunity for adolescents to learn but also a starting point for them to take on a role in peer communication, spreading environmental awareness within their communities.
After this course, Tòhe will transfer the creative communication toolkit and the peer communication skills training framework to VNUK—a key partner in implementing UNICEF’s HCA project in Da Nang. VNUK is expected to continue delivering this training program to 180 adolescents in 2025.
