In autumn 2009 Young Lives held a writing competition for children in Ben Tre and Lao Cai provinces. The themes of the competition were ?Your Experience and Observation in Getting Schooling and Getting Healthcare Services?.

Out of a total of 11,748 entries, 40 winners were selected and invited to prize-giving ceremonies attended by school representatives and the Secretary of the Provincial Youth Union. Prizes were in kind, and included pocket calculators, blankets, thermos flasks and electric fans.

Ben Tre and Lao Cai Youth Unions organised the competition with technical support from the Young Lives policy team at Save the Children.

Here are some of the winning entries:

Hard-pressed by Study:
With no father to provide for the family, someone has to take on the responsibility?read more

Children?s Dreams from the Land of Coconut:
If there?s not enough money for food, how can a family afford to send their daughter to school??read more

Dear Mr Chairman, please listen to us:
A letter to the Chairman of Lao Cai Province about health service provision in poor areas?read more

The Teacher and Two Little Girls:
Disability doesn?t dampen one little girl?s dream?read more

We?ve come a long way but?:
Living standards today have improved a lot, especially in terms of social welfare, healthcare and education. However, there are still some areas that need work?read more

What?s the point of leaving school early?:
Which is best ? to study hard or to earn money??read more