“If I hadn’t been an IT engineer, I would have got married when I was 18”, confessed Bdao, an IT engineer from a Giarai ethnic group in Kontum. Bdao’s story is a testament to the power of technology education in breaking the cycle of poverty and fostering gender equality.
Forging a Strong Will Amidst Hardship
Raised in a Giarai ethnic group, Bdao faced the ever-present threat of hunger in her childhood. Poverty was rampant, and few people had access to education. Most prioritized earning money quickly by marrying early or leaving school to work. Bdao, however, believed education could break this cycle of poverty and sought to make a difference in her community.
A Life-Changing Opportunity at PNV
Bdao’s dreams of higher education were hindered by her financial situation and the prevailing gender bias in her community. When she discovered Passerelles Numériques Vietnam (PNV), an organization providing free IT vocational training for disadvantaged students, she seized the opportunity. With determination, she passed the selection process to become a PNV student. Her passion and determination led her to become a PNV student and embark on a transformative journey.
Facing Challenges Head-On
Bdao encountered numerous obstacles during her time at PNV. Learning IT without prior computer experience proved difficult, and gender stereotypes shook her confidence. Moreover, the three-year training period meant she could not contribute to her family’s income. However, through conversations with her teachers and the guidance of inspiring female mentors, she found the strength to persevere and eventually graduated with distinction.
“PNV opened a new world to me. Everything at PNV was so different from my home actually. I was loved by teachers and friends there and I was able to emerge myself in the digital world, which I hadn’t thought of before. Actually, there was no disparity between female and male students; between students in ethnic groups. The teachers took care of all of us very well, so I could soon get over her homesickness.”
Success and Giving Back
Equipped with IT skills, English proficiency, and professional experience, Bdao secured a well-paying job, built a new home for her family, and inspired younger generations in her village to pursue education. As the only woman from her Giarai community working in IT, she continues to advocate for gender equality in technology and strives to bridge the gap further.
Paying It Forward for a Better World
After achieving career stability, Bdao dedicated two years to creating positive change in marginalized and vulnerable communities in Vietnam. She participated in campaigns promoting poverty reduction, education equality, and gender equality. Today, she continues to donate a portion of her salary to support disadvantaged students in their educational journey.
Bdao and her family in front of the old house
Bdao and her family in the new renovated house
PNV’s Impact and the Path Ahead
For 13 years, PNV has transformed the lives of students like Bdao, ensuring that underprivileged youth interested in IT are not left behind in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. PNV’s commitment to gender balance in enrollment contributes to closing the gender gap in technology skills and fostering a more equitable digital transformation.
Join Us in Empowering the Youth
We believe that kindness and care can create a brighter future for Vietnam’s youth. Beautiful values in life are multiplied when the beneficiaries pass them on to others. Together, let’s promote a more equitable digital transformation and bring a brighter future to the youth of Vietnam. Become a part of our mission by contacting ero.vietnam@passerellesnumeriques.org.