Strong change: Giang A Cua (second from right) has opened two literacy classes, a Mong language class and a Vietnamese class for local people in Lao Cai Province. He represented his community at the I Believe I Can – Changes from the Community seminar held in Ha Noi. — Photo isee.org.vn

HA NOI (VNS) — To celebrate the annual cultural day of Viet Nam's ethnic groups, representatives of their communities met in Ha Noi to launch of a seminar and exhibition titled I Believe I Can – Changes from the Community.

Supported by the Institute for Studies of Society, Economics and Environment (ISEE) and the Ethnic Minorities Working Group (EMWG), the event introduced new approaches that have become increasingly effective in ethnic development.

It was also an opportunity for ethnic representatives to share their ideas and inventions relating to economic development, cultural preservation and social issues.

Representatives are the most active members of their communities. They include Giang A Cua from Lao Cai Province, who wants to open a class to teach the Mong language and Vietnamese to his people, and Lang Manh Hung from Dak Nong Province, who pioneered the use of biogas in his region.

As the new ideas are implemented, the communities show strong change. Nowadays, they are not so concerned about the prejudice of outside people because they are full of confidence and determination to prosper.

Representatives said the support given to the development of ethnic communities, encouraged the growth of an inner strength to change their lives.

"The seminar, which is based on research, development and management, reveals that as long as ethnic people are confident of their ability and proud of their culture, they will get control of their own destinies," said Le Quang Binh, director of ISEE. — VNS