Ha Noi, 13 August 2023 – Demonstrating exceptional talent and determination, Dinh Thi Thu Huong, Nguyen Vu Chau Giang, Tran Viet Long, Le Thi Dan Anh reached the finals of GITC2023, the Global IT Challenge for Youth with Disabilities aged 14 to 23 across Asia and the Pacific region. They will represent Viet Nam at the final round scheduled to take place in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) this upcoming October.

Le Thi Dan Anh, 19 years old, and Dinh Thi Thu Thuong, 20 years old, both have mobility disabilities. Thuong also faces additional psychological and social difficulties. Yet, they traveled from the northern mountain province of Thai Nguyen to Ha Noi to take computer classes and partake in the GITC 2023. Anh and Thuong have a similar vision and want to cross cultural barriers and explore the world. They seek to dismantle barriers faced by young women with disabilities through the transformative power of technology, enabling them to connect across cultures and travel freely.

With a vibrant spirit, fourteen-year-old Nguyen Vu Chau Giang, who grapples with visual disabilities, enthusiastically takes part in the excel and Lifemap rounds. He actively participates in four competition categories: PPT, Lifemap, eContent, and SmartCar. 

In the face of left-side paralysis, Tran Viet Long, a 23-year-old professional data worker, shines brightly. He actively participates in the excel, lifemap, eContent, and Smartcar competition categories. 

Nghị Lực Sống (Will to Live) in collaboration with the Rehabilitation International Korea (RI Korea) and UNDP jointly organized GITC 2023 in Viet Nam to empower young individuals with disabilities, paving the way for an inclusive digital future.

The journey began in June 2023 with the National Qualifying Round, where 35 contestants from various provinces across Viet Nam showcased their skills in a range of IT categories. From mastering the intricacies of Power Point and Excel to demonstrating expertise in areas such as Internet Information Search (eLifemap), Video Creation and Editing (eContents), and even Programming Skills (eCreative_SmartCar), the contestants, who come from diverse backgrounds, transcending physical and cognitive challenges, exhibited their prowess and resilience.

The International Qualifying Round took place in July, when 24 semi-finalists from Viet Nam and hundreds of participants from Asia and the Pacific region coming together in a virtual arena that defied geographical boundaries. 

Beyond being a mere showcase of IT skills, the GITC challenge serves as a resounding celebration of the boundless potential residing within youth, regardless of their abilities. The results of GITC2023 so far reaffirmed that when provided with the right opportunities, mentorship, and resources, young individuals can thrive and contribute to building a more inclusive and equitable world.

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For media inquiries, please contact:

Nguyen Viet Lan, UNDP Communication Lead

Phone: 0914436769

Email: nguyen.viet.lan@undp.org