This is an annual event for scholarship students from the Brighter Path scheme, which supports disadvantaged ethnic minority girls who excel academically.

The initiative provides full scholarship support for seven years (three years of high school and four years of university), ensuring the beneficiaries have the opportunity to continue their studies and pursue their dreams.

During the 2022-2023 academic year, the Brighter Path students finished their third year of university successfully and were able to participate in a range of social activities.

As university graduation comes next year, this summer all the girls are participating in internships and different graduation preparation projects to get ready for the next chapter in their lives.

With the aim of celebrating a successful school year and to provide the best preparation for the coming milestones, the Empowerment Meeting this year – with the theme Proud to Shine – gathered the 49 students from all over Vietnam to attend a comprehensive 4-day programme in the capital city of Hanoi.

A series of workshops and cultural activities were held over four days, with opportunities to explore and appreciate the history of Vietnam, meet and learn from inspiring leaders and experts, and gain essential skills for career development and personal growth.

The workshop sessions covered soft skills needed for the 21^st century, career orientations, and how to avoid financial traps.

The girls also visited historical locations including Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, Hoa Lo Prison, Hai Ba Trung Temple, and Bat Trang Pottery Village to understand the thousand-year history of Hanoi's heritage.

At this year’s Empowerment Meeting, the students were honoured to be hosted at the Presidential Palace to meet Vo Thi Anh Xuan, Vice State President of Vietnam, to learn more about her journey, her commitment to the nation, and how the government of Vietnam functions.

With a strong belief in the nation's young generation, vice president Xuan encouraged all the girls to support the government in its endeavours, excel individually, and overcome adversity to contribute to their country.

A special gala dinner celebrated the students’ achievements, featuring exciting performances by the girls and the awarding of scholarships for the next school year.

The goal of the Brighter Path programme is to reduce poverty in ethnic Vietnam through education and training. The drive began in 2010 and has provided 2,351 scholarships for disadvantaged ethnic minority students, including fully funded school scholarships, informal education, and essential skills training.

The first group of scholars have graduated from university and are contributing to sustainable improvements in their local communities.

The Brighter Path programme has reaffirmed Vu A Dinh Scholarship Fund and VinaCapital Foundation’s commitments to building a more resilient Vietnam, where bright ethnic minority female students are motivated to become strong and confident proponents of Vietnamese culture and economic growth in their communities. Thus, transforming their lives and the lives of others.