Children overcoming challenges

Awards ceremony for 'Children Overcoming Challenges'

Disabled children in Hanoi showcased their writing abilities through a competition entitled 'Overcoming Challenges' organised by Plan.

The aim of the competition was to raise the profile of issues surrounding children with disabilities at a national level, and to enable children to showcase their abilities and strengths as opposed to the disabilities for which they are more often noticed. 
 
‘Children Overcoming Challenges’ was an opportunity to encourage all children to reflect on their attitudes towards disability, develop their understanding of disability and their empathy for children living with disabilities.

Plan Vietnam held this unique writing competition in co-operation with the National Youth Magazine. Children with and without disabilities were asked to share real stories of people surviving and succeeding despite the challenges posed by illness, disability or other difficult circumstances.

Just under 12,000 essays were received and an awards ceremony was held to acknowledge the outstanding entries. The night was filled with excitement and fun as over 200 primary school children and 50 teachers attended, along with special guests. Over half of the students involved were children with disabilities.

A young girl called Hien was awarded one of the top prizes for her story about her sight–impaired friend who she believes has a ‘sixth sense’.

The competition provided a wonderful opportunity for children to raise awareness of the challenges that people with disabilities overcome in today’s society.