Youth in Vietnam reignite my dream for Climate Action

[Rituu B. Nanda]

In the quiet, misty hills of Da Lat, Vietnam, I met nine Spark Fund youth fellows supported by Global Fund for Children. Their climate action work taught me something I will carry with me for a long time. What stood out was the care they have for our planet. They expressed worry for toll caused by excessive consumerism, dying indigenous practices, climate shocks affecting our earth but they also spoke of what was possible through their presentations:

1. Reconnect with nature- As we sipped perilla and mulberry tea thatTran Dieu-Anh had prepared, she shared about her work on a patch of barren land beside a forest conservation area. “A forest isn’t only about towering trees, it has small plants” She urged us to reconnect with nature. “It can begin with small plants, even in urban spaces, in our own homes.” 

2. Reclaiming Indigenous knowledge

Nguyễn Thị Thái Mẫu-runs a herbal medicine garden for educational purposes. She referred to a Vietnamese saying: “People die amidst medicinal herbs,” highlighting that remedies grow around us, yet go unused. She said that if we can learn to use these herbs, we could be healthier. For instance, salt prepared in the traditional way using earthen methods can have medicinal properties. When this salt is rolled in a medicinal leaf, it can be used to treat dental issues.

Lưu Ngoc Vũ has been working to ensure that traditional craft does not fade. In the film Theo Cam :Fabric of the Land, he captures the process of spinning yarn and dyeing withlocally sourced plants. His engagement with artisans was not performative or for tourists. His aim is that artisans reclaim ownership of their heritage. “Are you on social media to promote your work?” I asked. “It’s not about me,” he replied. “Artisans must take ownership, it’s their craft. My role is to listen more, observe more, and shine a light on indigenous knowledge so it reaches more people.”

Mùa Thi Mua- is a young indigenous woman who organizes group immersions in local communities, offering tourists a rich cultural experience. She dreams of setting up a farm that cultivates a variety of indigenous crops, a space that preserves traditional knowledge. 

3. Experimentation & iterative learning in Climate solutions

Nguyen Dinh Nhat- the youngest  fellow was drawn to the water hyacinth that grew in his area. His attempts to weave baskets from it proved unsuccessful. A Nigerian study about water hyacinth to make handmade paper resonated with him. After numerous attempts, he produces customised paper, balancing commercial production with hand made work to preserve  traditional craft

4. Art in environment preservation

Alex Nguyen has been using performing arts to draw attention to environmental issues. Motherhood has deepened her creativity, “What kind of world will allow my daughter to thrive?”  She has established a centre with indigenous communities that draws on natural resources like wind energy and traditional way of living.

5. Early education and storytelling to nurture environment champions

Nguyen Huu Quynh Huong, a children’s book author cum publisher, uses illustrations and stories to raise awareness about the environment. In her book on death, she depicts it not as a figure in black robes, but as a black rhinoceros, an endangered species. She believes that when children see animals as friends, they are more likely to grow into champions for their protection.

Hoàng Phương Thảo- a  kindergarten teacher aims to incorporate climate education in school system.With a twinkle in her eye, she shared her delight at being able to enrol in a course with support of Spark Fundthat which will equip her to teach children through play.

6. Tech and green environment - Nguyen Quoc Vuong harnesses technology to promote a greener environment. He has received awards for his innovations like an eco-friendly sanitiser, salt to treat wastewater generated during manufacturing, and repurposing discarded CDs to create solar panels. Thus, from sourcing to production to final product, every step is environment friendly.

Application in my work on community-led change

I observed that community-led solutions are not grand but meaningful and local and have the potential to grow into something far greater.  Climate change is an emergency, along with institutional action, citizens have to take responsibility.  For some years I have had a dream of facilitating community-led climate action. Spark Fund fellows in Vietnam have rekindled my resolve to do something about it. I came back and enrolled in a course:-)

Read more about them here https://globalfundforchildren.org/initiative/spark-fund-youth-led-c...

Pictures courtesy: Loan Vuong. Gratitude to Ze for empathetic translation