As a partner of the "Innovation for Children" project, Ha Anh Tuan recently shared his emotions and pride in witnessing initial changes in Soc Trang, thanks to the future-changing initiatives being implemented by Masterise and UNICEF. 

Being a rather private person both in personal life and philanthropy works, Ha Anh Tuan's companionship in this meaningful project is not ostentatious, but rather silent and persistent.
After a year and a half of project’s implementation, in November 2023, Ha Anh Tuan was present in Soc Trang to witness the first achievements of the project. On this important milestone, the singer shared about the project for the first time with his fans.

Accompanying "Innovation for Children" project from the early days, could you please share the reasons why you chose to participate in this project?
"Why not?" That's both a question and an answer from me when I received the invitation to join a challenging and meaningful project by UNICEF and Masterise Group. And the reason is nothing else but the desire to contribute to a future of inclusiveness, sustainability, and development for every child. I believe that children represent our future and are the foundation for our continuity. If we don't invest in our own future, then where else should we invest?
 

After accompanying the project for nearly 2 years, I had the opportunity to join the project team to visit Soc Trang and witness the first achievements of Phase 1. I feel honored to be a small part of the great efforts that are shape sustainable initiatives to change the future of thousands, and potentially millions, of Vietnamese people.

Can you share more about the project and achievements that you witnessed during your recent trip to Soc Trang?
Innovation for Children sets two main objectives. First is to improve the quality of education for all children - including children with disabilities and from ethnic minorities. Second is to build climate-smart communities.
 

But how do we achieve these two objectives? True to the name of the project - "Innovation for Children," we plan to accomplish these goals by researching and implementing smart and sustainable initiatives at the local level. During the recent trip, I had the opportunity to visit exemplary initiatives in both fields.

For the Education objective, UNICEF and Masterise introduced the Global Digital Library initiative to Soc Trang. Previously, nearly 70% of students in the province reported having fewer than two books at home. But now, the project is helping children have more opportunities to read. Moreover, with this application, children with disabilities have additional opportunities for creative learning tailored to their needs, and Khmer children can read books in their mother tongue, preserving their indigenous culture. This is the commitment to "leave no one behind" that the project is striving to fulfill every day.
 

During the trip, I also participated in the handover of the first solar-powered, net zero-discharge sanitation facility in Viet Nam. This sanitation model utilizes solar energy to operate and treats wastewater into safe, germ-free water that can be reused for flushing in the facility. All processes are designed for recycling. When this technology is successfully implemented, we can enhance climate resilience for the community in Soc Trang.
 

Both of these interventions left a strong impression on me. However, above all, I saw the vibrant spirit of this land through the bright eyes of Khmer children at the visited primary school. I sensed the enthusiasm of the teachers, despite working in challenging conditions. If each of us contributes our part, I believe that the children here will have a promising and bright future, while also contributing to the development of Viet Nam.

After Soc Trang, do you expect this project to be replicated in other provinces and regions in Viet Nam?
This project has been piloted on a small scale. It is the seed that we plant and hope it will grow and flourish widely. Soc Trang is one of the provinces heavily affected by climate change, and children face specific challenges in education. With this model, if it is replicated in other areas facing similar difficulties, it will create a ripple effect. This is the effectiveness that the program aims for, and it is also my desire.

If every action towards the future is a seed, then this is the seed we have sown. I hope that each of us will plant a healthy seed and take care of it so that our future receives a thriving forest, especially for children.