This picture captures Vanna’s first-ever speech in English, a significant milestone. Vanna is excited to share this achievement.
Vanna Chomsavanh is a tireless advocate for youth development and gender equality in Lao PDR. She has devoted over nine years to empowering young people, particularly young women, to become community leaders. Her deep understanding of the challenges facing Lao youth led her to co-found the Don't Stop Dream Team (DSDT), a youth-led organization committed to fostering life skills and leadership development across the country.
A Vision for Change: Building Community Advocates Through Forum Theatre
In 2023, Vanna took a significant step forward with the support of a small grant from the Asia Young People for Action (AYA) initiative. She knew that young people were going to play a crucial role in shaping Laos's future, so she set out to address social challenges, especially in remote areas with limited engagement opportunities. Her project, Building Community Advocates Through Forum Theatre, set out to give youth in Hadxaifong district and Saysettha district in Vientiane capital a platform to express themselves, develop essential life skills, and become advocates for positive change.
Forum Theatre was the obvious choice for this project. Its interactive nature encourages audience participation and reflection. Vanna knew that this method would engage and educate young volunteers, equipping them with vital skills such as teamwork, communication, and emotional intelligence. The project's goal was clear: to train 15 young people to become community advocates, using Forum Theatre to raise awareness about pressing issues like drug abuse and safe labor migration.
Transforming Lives and Communities
The AYA grant provided the resources needed to recruit and train these young volunteers. Participants learned how to design and lead community activities, communicate effectively to reduce conflict, and advocate for social change through a series of workshops. The training also covered critical information about the dangers of drug abuse and the importance of safe labor migration, addressing two significant issues affecting Lao youth. Vanna emphasized the importance of creating safe spaces for youth to confront these challenges.
“We should provide safe space to youth who are on the brink of drug abuse. We also provide space for the youth to come together and share ideas, and with support from each other, we can help relieve stress.”
This approach guided the project and ensured that participants felt supported and empowered throughout their journey. The project's impact was evident as the 15 trained youth advocates performed in five villages within the Hadxaifong and Saysettha districts of Vientiane capital, reaching over 280 people in schools and communities. Their performances effectively educated their peers and community members about drug dangers and safe migration, inspiring other young people to engage in community activities.
Additionally, this project aimed to go beyond merely advocating against drug abuse among young people and mitigating worker issues. To achieve this, Vanna’s team produced two short drama videos, such as The Story of Nam and The Happiness. These videos were filmed and distributed online through DSDT YouTube channel.
A key outcome was the establishment of a model for youth-led advocacy. The Forum Theatre performances sparked discussions on addressing social issues at the grassroots level. The young advocates, who had once been uncertain of their abilities, grew in confidence and became role models. By the end of the project, many had taken the initiative to continue leading community activities, ensuring the sustainability of Vanna's work.
Looking Ahead: A Legacy of Empowerment
Vanna’s journey with the AYA small grant has left a lasting legacy in Hadxaifong district and Saysettha district of Vientiane capital. The project not only empowered the participating youth but also inspired broader community action. Vanna’s work with Forum Theatre demonstrated the transformative power of creative expression in driving social change and highlighted the importance of investing in youth development.
As Vanna continues her work with DSDT, she remains committed to expanding her efforts, applying the lessons learned from this project to empower more young people across Laos. Her vision is to build a network of youth advocates capable of addressing local challenges and contributing to the country’s progress. The support from AYA has been instrumental in realizing this vision, and Vanna is determined to build on this foundation to create a brighter future for Laos youth.
In addition to her work with Forum Theatre, Vanna and her team are also dedicated to LGBTQ+ rights. They have created a dedicated space for LGBTQ+ individuals to share their personal identities and receive support. This special room offers training on soft skills and life skills in a confidential and supportive environment, fostering a sense of community and empowerment among LGBTQ+ youth.
Vanna Chomsavanh’s work exemplifies the power of dedication and creativity to foster positive change and empower the next generation of leaders in Lao PDR.
