By Sr. Myriam Theresa Như Trang, Sector Communicator, Vietnam (Province of East Asia)

As the doors reopened for the first day of 2026 at Tân Sơn Nhì Charity School en Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, 25 girls and their dedicated facilitators were the first to attend the new Nắng Mai ("Morning Sunshine'') Girls’ Club. This milestone marks a significant step in the journey of empowering girls, while also creating a safe space where they are heard, respected, and encouraged to take ownership of their own voices and choices.

‘Morning Sunshine' is not just a recreational club, but a holistic educational environment where girls engage in both individual and group activities through the Learning through Play approach. In particular, the application of the "Our Decisions” toolkit helps the girls gradually recognize their self-worth, understand their rights, and strengthen their ability to make independent decisions in matters related to their daily lives.

Through experiential and creative activities, discussions, and teamwork, the girls are equipped with essential life skills, encouraged to develop their inherent potential, and learn how to express their opinions, respect differences, and take responsibility for their choices. These are vital foundations for them to grow into confident, resilient young women who can shape and lead their own futures. In addition, the girls actively share the knowledge and skills they have gained with their peers within their own school community.

With the belief that every girl carries within her a unique “ray of sunshine,” the Morning Sunshine Club aspires to support the girls’ holistic development of heart, mind, and strength, while nurturing compassion, solidarity, and a strong sense of community responsibility. Beyond accompanying the girls, this model also aims to help build a “Happy School” where all students are loved, protected, and given equal opportunities to grow.

This much-needed initiative is generously supported by the Ho Chi Minh City Child Protection Association y Save the Children International (SCI). Their valuable partnership not only demonstrates a strong commitment to the rights and voices of girls but also provides renewed momentum for expanding and sustaining child-centered initiatives over time.

The Morning Sunshine Club sows the seeds of self-determination today, so that tomorrow, girls may walk ahead with confidence, guided by their own decisions.