Exchange program "The Essentials for Young People"

On the evening of December 23rd, at the Me Tri Dormitory auditorium, the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, in collaboration with the General Department of Population and Family Planning (Ministry of Health), organized a student exchange event titled "The Essentials for Young People" in response to Vietnam Population Day (December 26th).

[img class="caption" src="images/stories/2008/12/25/img_4101.jpg" border="0" alt="Some guests of the show" title="Some guests of the show" width="300" height="200" align="right" ]

The evening's exchange attracted a large number of students from many universities: Vietnam Trade Union University, Dai Nam University, Hanoi Medical University, University of Labour and Social Affairs, Diplomatic Academy, and Hanoi University of Social Sciences and Humanities. The guests participating in the exchange were two renowned experts from the "Window of Love" program of the Voice of Vietnam Radio - Mr. Dinh Doan and Dr. Minh Phuong.

"Youth's Essentials" was organized with the aim of sharing basic knowledge about gender, reproductive health, love, sex, and friendships among young people. During the event, many theatrical scenarios were staged and performed by the students themselves, revolving around these topics. The scenarios often had open endings, and the audience was asked to suggest solutions.

[img class="caption" src="images/stories/2008/12/25/img_3998.jpg" border="0" alt="A scene from a situational drama" title="A scene from a situational drama" width="300" height="201" align="right" ]

The highlight of the program was an Q&A session with guests to directly answer common and sensitive questions among young people today, such as: how to maintain a pure and lasting love; what to prepare for the first sexual encounter; how to prevent unwanted pregnancy; the consequences of unsafe sex; HIV – transmission and prevention... Interspersed between the Q&A sessions were musical performances by students and some young singers with themes celebrating friendship, love, life, and many messages of affection during the Christmas season.

The program contributes to sending a meaningful message to young people: they should live healthy and useful lives based on good knowledge of sexuality and reproductive health to protect themselves and their friends; and contribute to raising awareness about preventing HIV, as well as showing empathy, sharing, and helping AIDS patients.