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The 2025 Scarlet Sails Training Course on Preventing Stigma, Discrimination, and Violence Against Children

23/06/2025

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This past weekend, more than 30 students participated in a two-day training course on preventing stigma, discrimination, and violence against children.

“This session has helped me differentiate between what are “good secrets”,which are harmless, and “bad secrets” which could be dangerous if kept and should be shared with a trusted adult.”

”I am very impressed after learning and discussing about how to prevent school violence. I now feel more confident in my ability to protect myself and my friends in the future if I ever face such a situation”

“Through these sessions, aside from learning lots of new skills, I also feel that I’m becoming more open, better at communicating, and more confident in expressing my opinions.”

These are few of many reflections that VSF received following its training session on prevention of stigma, discrimination and violence against children, held over the past weekend (21-22/6/2025). This session not only offered vital knowledge, but also created a safe and supportive space for 35 children to speak openly, be heard, and gain essential skills in order to protect themselves and others. 

 
The children were exposed to common yet unfamiliar topics such as“school violence”, “cyberbullying”, or “sexual assault”, through engaging stories and interactive activities. Rather than only listening to lectures, they actively participated in discussions, asked questions, shared their thoughts, and acted out real-life situations through drama. By stepping into different roles, the children were able to deeply understand the emotions and experiences of those affected by such issues. Additionally, the children were introduced to procedures for self-protection, such as the PANTS rule, Swimsuit area, 5 circles of proximity,... which helped them better understand their personal boundaries and how to seek help when needed.

The training didn’t stop at identifying harmful behaviours – it also guided the children to explore root causes of stigma and discrimination, from gender stereotypes to social norms, such as the belief that “boys must be strong” or “children don’t know anything and shouldn’t have a voice.”

 

One of the highlights of the training was the set of activities aimed at strengthening the connection between children and their parents – a relationship considered the “first line of defense” against violence, stigma, and discrimination. When children feel safe to share, trusted adults become their first and most important source of support.

 
The training was part of the Scarlet Sails Project 2025, a series of activities jointly organized by VSF and BAC A BANK, specifically designed for the children of the bank’s staff. The session was led by Ms. Trần Hồng Điệp, Director of VSF and an expert in Gender and Child Protection.

The training may have come to an end, but the lessons, emotions, and shifts in awareness it sparked will stay with the children. We hope these experiences will become a lasting part of their journey as they grow up.