On December 27 and 28, 2025, Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations of Hue City (VUFO Hue), in collaboration with the Center for Development Research and Co-Creation of Knowledge (CKC) successfully organized three training courses on forest and environmental protection for more than 120 local residents in A Luoi 1, A Luoi 2, and A Luoi 3 communes. Notably, nearly 85% of participants were ethnic minority women.
This activity marks the initial implementation phase of the Environmental Awareness Component of the “Socio-Ecological Transformation for Ethnic Minority Women through Creating Sustainable Livelihoods in A Luoi” project (SODI – A Luoi project). Through these training sessions, the project aims to establish a solid foundation of knowledge and awareness within the community, thereby guiding positive behavioral changes in forest and environmental protection.
During the training courses, participants:
- Exchanged ideas and engaged in discussions on current issues related to forest resources and the environment;
- Identified and analyzed key challenges impacting local ecosystems; and
- Proposed practical solutions to protect and conserve surrounding ecosystems.
Post-training evaluation results indicated:
- 95% of participants reported a significant improvement in their understanding of forests and environmental protection; and
- 70% expressed a very high level of satisfaction with the training content and overall organization.
These encouraging initial outcomes provide an important foundation for the SODI – A Luoi project to continue its commitment to accompanying local communities over the next five years, toward the goal of sustainable ecosystem transformation and livelihood development.
The project, funded by Solidaritätsdienst-international e.V. (SODI) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), is managed and implemented by VUFO Hue. The project runs from 2025 to 2029, encompassing main components on capacity building and awareness raising, developing sustainable livelihood models, and preserving indigenous knowledge.
From December 26th to 28th, 2025, the Center for Knowledge Co-creation and Development Research (CKC), in partnership with Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations Hue City (VUFO Hue – the Head of the Project Management Board), proudly launched the “Green Forest” Exhibition at the Y Reo Village Community Center in A Luoi 3 Commune, Hue City.
A highlight of the event was the Award Ceremony for the “Green Forest” Drawing Contest, held on the morning of December 27th, 2025, honoring 10 outstanding artworks. The prize structure featured 1 first prize, 2 second prizes, 3 third prizes, and 4 consolation prizes, with a total prize value of VND 10 million. The first prize was awarded to Ho Nhu Huyen, a 4th-grade student from Hong Thai Primary School, for her inspiring artwork conveying the message: “Let’s Protect the Green Forest.”
At the Award Ceremony, CKC was delighted to welcome:
- Mr. Huynh Tien Dat – Chairman of the Hue City Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO Hue), Director of the SODI-A Luoi Project Management Board,
- Representatives from the Principal Boards of Hong Van, Nham, and Hong Thai Primary Schools, and
- Over 100 teachers, students, and parents from the three primary schools.
The exhibition followed the “Green Forest” Drawing Contest held on December 6th, 2025, which attracted 305 entries from students of Hong Van Primary School (A Luoi 1), Nham Primary School (A Luoi 2), and Hong Thai Primary School (A Luoi 3).
After a rigorous evaluation process, 50 representative works were showcased, each telling a unique story and reflecting the creativity and individuality of ethnic minority students – all united by the powerful message of environmental protection and forest conversation. The “Green Forest” Exhibition not only offered an enriching artistic experience but also provided a platform for young students to express their voices and demonstrate their commitment to safeguarding nature through art.
In his inspiring remarks, Mr. Huynh Tien Dat, President of VUFO Hue, Director of the SODI-A Luoi Project Management Board, encouraged young students: “I hope you will continue to excel in your studies, nurture your creative spirit, and become positive leaders in protecting the environment and our green forests.”
The exhibition is part of the “Socio-Ecological Transformation for Ethnic Minority Women through Creating Sustainable Livelihoods in A Luoi” project (SODI – A Luoi Project). Running from 2025 to 2029, the project is funded by Solidaritätsdienst-international e.V. (SODI) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), managed and implemented by VUFO Hue. Its core components include capacity building and awareness raising, developing sustainable livelihood models, and preserving indigenous knowledge. CKC proudly serves as the official implementing partner.
The “Green Forest” Exhibition was featured in the evening news program on December 28, 2025, produced by Hue Newspaper, Radio and Television here. (Exhibition segment begins at 24:25)
(All images below were taken with the consent of participants and their legal guardians. Please obtain permission from CKC before using these images for any purpose other than for Project’s official communications)
Photo: Ho Ngoc Anh Tuan
On December 6, 2025, with the support of the Hue City Department of Education and Training and local primary schools, CKC, in collaboration with the Hue City Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO Hue as the Head of Project Management Board), officially launched the “Green Forest” Drawing Contest in A Luoi 1, A Luoi 2, and A Luoi 3 communes.
The contest drew enthusiastic participation from over 300 students from Hong Van, Nham, and Hong Thai Primary Schools, encouraging them to transform green ideas into creative artworks that carry powerful messages about forest protection.
This initiative creates an open and inspiring learning space for young learners to explore the importance of environmental stewardship and amplify forest conservation messages within their communities through the voices of children. An exhibition and award ceremony featuring outstanding artworks will take place at the end of December.
The contest is part of the “Socio-Ecological Transformation for Ethnic Minority Women through Creating Sustainable Livelihoods in A Luoi” project (SODI – A Luoi Project). Running from 2025 to 2029, the project is funded by Solidaritätsdienst-international e.V. (SODI) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), managed and implemented by VUFO Hue. Its core components include capacity building and awareness raising, developing sustainable livelihood models, and preserving indigenous knowledge. CKC proudly serves as the official implementing partner.
