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In a powerful demonstration of youth leadership and determination, secondary school students from Pha Oudom and Paktha Districts stepped into the spotlight for a dynamic debate competition tackling one of the most pressing challenges of our era—climate change and its impact on education and livelihoods.
Now in its second year, the debate competition is a key component of the Bokeo Youth Empowerment Initiative, designed to equip young people from disadvantaged and climate-vulnerable communities with the skills, confidence, and platform to advocate for local solutions. For many of these students, the effects of poverty and environmental instability are felt daily, threatening their education and future prospects.
Under the theme “The Impact of Climate Change on Education and Livelihoods,” participants explored how floods, droughts, and extreme heat disrupt schooling, reduce household income, and worsen inequalities. Their arguments demonstrated not only growing awareness but a strong desire to shape a safer, more resilient future for their communities. Prior to the debates, school students took part in intensive training on public speaking, research, and advocacy.
The workshops focused on three key areas: confidence and communication, helping students speak clearly and respectfully about important issues; online data surfing and analysis, teaching them how to find and understand reliable climate information relevant to Bokeo; and debating and advocacy skills, guiding students to build strong arguments and present them effectively to impress the judges and score well during the competition.
Organisers stressed that the training provides lifelong skills, empowering young people to contribute meaningfully to community planning and climate resilience efforts.
Mr. Vilasack Viraphanh, Programme Director of Plan International Laos, emphasised the broader significance of the initiative:“Investing in these young people is critical for national resilience. Their insights provide authorities with ground-level perspectives on climate challenges and practical solutions. This programme ensures youth are not merely recipients of policy but active contributors to sustainable development.”
For many students, the competition was a transformative experience. Vone Khitmala, from Paktha District, shared extreme heat often stops us from attending school. This training gave us confidence to speak up and propose solutions. We believe informed communities can protect education and the environment for a better future. Another participant, Anoukone Bouasingkham from Pha Oudom District, reflected on the skills gained: “We learned how to research and present facts, not just opinions. Now we feel ready to speak with local leaders and help our villages prepare for climate change.”
Local officials also praised the initiative for opening a constructive dialogue between youth and authorities. Student participant Nia Xayasith captured the spirit of the event “Climate change is not just a global issue; it is our daily reality. We want to be part of the solution.”
By transforming challenges into opportunities, the debate competition highlights the power of youth agency—even in the most vulnerable communities—to drive sustainable development. It stands as a strong reminder that young people, when empowered, are among the most effective catalysts for change.
The Climate Change Adaptation in the Uplands through Innovative Practices project aims to increase rural livelihood opportunities by 30 percent through improved farming techniques, entrepreneurship support, and climate adaptation methods in target villages. The project is funded by Plan International Germany and implemented by Plan International Laos in partnership with Maeying Huamjai Phattana Association (MHP), the Bokeo Provincial Agriculture and Environment Office and the Paktha and Pha Oudom District Agriculture and Environment Offices.
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