My Transformative Journey with the British Council: Self-Discovery, Empowerment and Community Impact
In the fourth year of my university studies, I eagerly volunteered to support the remarkable Global Citizen Days program. Amidst the blazing sun, our team of ten volunteers found ourselves chastised for a miscommunication with the event organizers, resulting in the need to rearrange the tables for the esteemed guests. Feeling bewildered and overwhelmed by the situation, we were uncertain about the best course of action. However, in that moment of uncertainty, a beacon of support emerged—Ms. Gam, the esteemed manager of the Active Citizens program at the British Council. With genuine curiosity, she approached me and inquired, "Dear volunteers, I'm curious, why have you set the tables up in this manner?" As we shared our perspective, Ms. Gam attentively listened and offered invaluable suggestions for a more suitable arrangement. It was a profound encounter that left an indelible mark on me—her compassionate and sincere communication style spoke volumes. This initial experience served as a catalyst, strengthening my bond with the British Council's programs, as I believed that within their community, I would find solace in being heard, supported, and nurtured, rather than judged, admonished, or criticized.
Over the past seven years, my association with the British Council in Vietnam has been an incredible journey filled with profound emotions, thoughts, and unforgettable memories.
Personal Growth through Active Citizens Programs
As a facilitator for the Active Citizens programs, I have had the privilege of working closely with the British Council in Vietnam. This experience has had a profound impact on my personal growth. Through the programs, I have developed essential leadership and communication skills, as well as a heightened sense of empathy and cultural understanding. Engaging with diverse groups of participants has broadened my horizons, challenged my perspectives, and encouraged me to become a more open-minded individual. Through their trust and encouragement, I have been able to discover my passion for community development, and push my limits beyond what I once thought possible. This process has been transformative, as it has helped me build confidence in my abilities and nurtured my belief in personal growth. The British Council's commitment to empowering individuals has played a vital role in shaping me into a more self-assured and resilient person.
Empowerment and Social Impact
Through the British Council's Active Citizens programs, I have been instrumental in igniting the spark of social entrepreneurship among university students from over 20 campuses across Vietnam. Moreover, these transformative initiatives have empowered educators to reimagine their teaching approaches, fostering an environment that encourages student collaboration, creative thinking, and proactive engagement. In addition, we have extended our support to waste management programs within high schools and women's associations in Huế, Hanoi, Đồng Tháp, and Hồ Chí Minh City, with remarkable outcomes. Furthermore, we have launched inspirational initiatives aimed at empowering youth in the Mekong Delta region to take action and devise innovative solutions to address climate change issues within their own communities.
Amidst the electrifying atmosphere of each training program, my heart swells with delight as I witness the metamorphosis taking place within the participants. They come to a profound realization, discovering that within themselves lies the untapped potential to make a tangible difference in their communities. More than just absorbing knowledge, they embrace the value of active participation and open themselves to learning from those around them. Before even manifesting the desired change, they embody its essence, embodying the embodiment of transformative power.
The British Council's unwavering commitment to empowering individuals and fostering community impact has not only transformed the lives of those involved but has also catalyzed a ripple effect of positive change that extends far beyond the boundaries of the program itself. Bottom of Form
My journey with the British Council in Vietnam has been an extraordinary chapter in my life. Through my involvement as a facilitator for the Active Citizens programs, I have experienced personal transformation, gained confidence, and deepened my understanding of myself. The British Council's commitment to empowerment and community impact has shaped me into a more empathetic, self-assured, and resilient individual. Moreover, their trust and encouragement have paved the way for career exploration and provided me with the platform to contribute to society in a meaningful way. I am forever grateful for the profound impact the British Council has had on my personal and professional growth, and I am excited to continue this journey of self-discovery and community empowerment with them.