Uncovering Potential
A social worker and mother’s journey with UNICEF Lao PDR’s Parenting Programme.
- English
- ລາວ
Viengvilay Thammavijai, known more by her nickname “Tui” to those around her, is a dedicated social worker and mother of two. As a Technical and Admin Officer at the Lao Women's Union, Tui’s journey from a novice to an accomplished trainer under the UNICEF-supported parenting programme, "Love and Care for Every Child (LCEC)", speaks to the power of one’s determination to learn and the community’s support.
This transformative journey started not without its challenges. It began in January 2023 when Tui first joined a training on the parenting programme. Back then, she did not know much about concepts like social and behavior change or early childhood development. All of it seemed like unfamiliar territory and Tui recalls feeling overwhelmed by the technical jargon being used. The initial challenge almost made her lose hope.
Yet, her desire to learn and advance the well-being of Lao women and mothers like herself as well as children kept her focused. Coupled with the support from her fellow master trainers and constant encouragement from UNICEF, she slowly overcame these hurdles.
Determined to improve, Tui set about enhancing her facilitation skills. Slowly but surely, she transformed into a competent trainer who is now at the forefront leading training sessions at both provincial and district levels across Lao PDR.
As a Lao woman and a mother of two children, this programme has been incredibly beneficial to me.
Tui's transformation from a novice to an accomplished trainer exemplifies the power of continuous support and capacity-building. She stands as a role model, showcasing the positive outcomes that can be achieved through dedication and collective effort. Her story underscores the importance of sustainable development and fostering ownership within the community, demonstrating that with the right support, anyone can uncover their full potential.
Tui’s journey is a testament to the programme's focus on capacity-building and its impact on service delivery.
It has equipped me with the knowledge and skills to support other parents and has empowered me to be a better parent myself. I have learned so much about early childhood development and the importance of engaging with our community. This experience has truly transformed my life and the lives of those around me.
The LCEC programme is implemented by the Lao Women's Union with technical support from the Ministry of Education and Sports, Lao Front for National Development, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, Ministry of Health and Lao Disabled People’s Association. Supported by USAID and Australia through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program, it empowers parents and caregivers with essential knowledge and tools to promote their children's healthy development and create a nurturing environment for children.
