Empowering vulnerable young people in a digital society

In Vietnam, much of social and professional life now takes place online. Yet access to digital skills remains highly unequal, exposing disadvantaged youth in particular to major risks: dropping out of school due to online learning difficulties, digital harassment and gender-based violence, and the exploitation of their personal data.

 

Students at Bắc Thăng Long College, mostly from disadvantaged backgrounds, along with many young migrant and informal workers, lack the tools to protect themselves and seize the opportunities of a digital economy. In 2020, nearly 72% of students reported having difficulty following online courses, and 15% had to drop out of their studies. More than 95% reported having shared their personal data on dubious sites, and 87% of female students had received unwanted sexual messages.

 

Since 2024, the C@p Nh@t project, implemented by BATIK International and Bắc Thăng Long College, has been offering training integrated into the school curriculum and adapted to the realities of disadvantaged youth. The modules combine basic digital skills, online protection, sexual and reproductive health, and awareness of gender stereotypes.

 

The ultimate goal is twofold: to strengthen the employability of vulnerable students and young workers, and to enable them to make informed choices in their personal and professional lives online. The project also aims to expand this program to other vulnerable groups, including workers in industrial zones and informal workers.