While many of her peers were still attending school, Hoa became a wife and then a mother. Currently, Hoa has three young children, and her childhood dream of becoming a preschool teacher has faded...

Hoa got married while her friends were still in school. (Source: Plan International Vietnam)

“In the past, I dreamed of teaching children. But when I left school early to get married, I stopped thinking about any dreams…”, Hoa recalls.

Her family life was confined to a few cornfields and a small chayote trellis, barely enough to eat, and often lacking money for medicine when the children fell ill.

Hoa herself experienced complications after a facial nerve paralysis, which further deteriorated her health, making life increasingly difficult and bleak.

Opportunity to change life

Change began to spark when the village head introduced Hoa to the project “Enhancing Economic Empowerment for Youth in Lai Chau” implemented by Plan International Vietnam with funding from the MetLife Foundation.

Here, Hoa received training in passion fruit cultivation and care, microbial fermentation, and organic fertilizer production. She was also provided with seedlings, fertilizers, materials, and connected with other young people through a Zalo group to exchange experiences and find markets for their products.

“I never thought I could do anything other than corn and cassava. Yet now I've built a thriving passion fruit trellis behind my house. I believe our family will soon have a more stable income,” Hoa shared with a gentle smile.

Through the project, Hoa received training in passion fruit cultivation and care, microbial fermentation, and organic fertilizer production. (Source: Plan International Vietnam)

After a year of implementation, by the end of September 2025, the “Enhancing Economic Empowerment for Youth in Lai Chau” project held a summary conference.

During this event, Hoa was pleasantly surprised when Deputy Chairman of Dao San Commune People's Committee, Dong Thi Hong, granted her the right to deliver the opening and closing speeches on her behalf. Her voice not only represented the youth participating in the project but also the entire youth of Dao San commune.

This special moment marked Hoa's journey from a girl forced to grow up too soon to a leader and inspiration within her community.

Hoa emotionally shared: “Through the project, we – ethnic minority youth – not only gained knowledge and skills in climate-adaptive agriculture but also became more confident and proactive in developing livelihoods and contributing to the community. We promise to continue our efforts and wish to convey the message: Lai Chau youth – study well, prosper, and don't rush into marriage!”

Hoa's story resonated with local leaders. According to Dong Thi Hong, Hoa's story is a strong testament to the effectiveness of empowerment models and support for local youth in economic development, proving that if given the opportunity, ethnic minority youth, especially girls, can rise to take control of their lives.

Sharing the same perspective, Le Quynh Lan, National Director of Plan International Vietnam, affirmed: “Hoa's journey is a vivid testament to the significance of the Girls’ Empowerment Initiative on International Day of the Girl Child, October 11. When girls are given opportunities and a voice, change not only comes to the individual but also spreads to families and communities. Ending child marriage will become a reality when we invest in the voices, education, and economic opportunities for girls.”

Hoa beside her fruitful passion fruit trellis. (Source: Plan International Vietnam)

Sowing hope for a new generation

Launched from October 2024 to September 2025 with a budget of USD 62,500, the “Enhancing Economic Empowerment for Youth in Lai Chau” project focuses on improving income for ethnic minority youth through climate-adaptive agricultural practices and enhancing entrepreneurial capacity.

After nearly a year of implementation, the project has met and exceeded most targets: 171 people participated in activities (7% above target), 100 people enhanced their knowledge of climate-adaptive agriculture, and 30 young people (15 men, 15 women) were empowered in entrepreneurship. Notably, 30 passion fruit livelihood models were established, doubling the initial target.

Cost and profit analysis shows that climate-adaptive passion fruit cultivation yields an average profit of 225 million VND/ha, 14% higher than traditional methods using chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

The project also brings positive impacts on gender equality as the role of women in family economic decisions is enhanced. (Source: Plan International Vietnam)

This outstanding economic efficiency has motivated residents to maintain and expand the model, while also contributing to environmental improvement by reducing chemicals and diversifying income sources.

The project brings positive impacts on gender equality as the role of women in family economic decisions is enhanced, with nearly 79% of participating women stating they can easily access training and support opportunities.

Amidst the mountains of Lai Chau, Hoa's fruitful passion fruit trellis not only nourishes her three young children but also sows seeds of hope for the future of a new generation.