Empowering Youth Through Leadership and Creativity: A Volunteer Training Workshop at SiT!

Dāna Education Team
May 19
3 min read

On April 26, 2025, Dāna Education hosted a vibrant half-day volunteer training workshop at Soutsaka Institute of Technology (SiT), bringing together 30 enthusiastic youth between the ages of 16 and 22. The event, a collaboration between Dāna, Youth Sharperz, and the SiT team, aimed to foster leadership skills, encourage creative thinking, and build a sense of community among the next generation of changemakers in Laos.

The workshop began promptly at 8:30 AM with a lively ice-breaking activity known as the “human knot” game. This engaging exercise not only energized participants but also helped to break down social barriers, setting the tone for a day filled with collaboration and connection.

Following the warm-up, the Dāna team formally introduced themselves and shared the organization’s mission, vision, and goals. Participants learned about Dāna's commitment to providing educational support and empowerment opportunities to youth across Southeast Asia, and how this volunteer training ties into the larger mission of building stronger, more compassionate communities.

The first guest speaker of the day was Tadam Chanthavong, a YSEALI alumna and the dynamic leader of Campus Mixer Laos. Tadam delivered a powerful session titled “Leadership: Lead Others and Yourself.” In her engaging talk, she explored the qualities that define a true leader, emphasizing that leadership begins with self-awareness and a willingness to serve others. Her presentation included an interactive group activity where participants were divided into small teams to discuss real-life scenarios and reflect on leadership challenges. This activity sparked meaningful conversations and gave participants practical insights into teamwork and decision-making. After Tadam’s impactful session, participants took a well-deserved coffee break. Over croissants and casual conversations, they exchanged ideas and reflections, further deepening the sense of community and camaraderie that had developed throughout the morning.

The second half of the workshop shifted focus to creativity and design, led by Banky Phisit Phongsavanh, a 2025 Diversity Voyage delegate and leader of NOVA101. Banky’s session, titled “Color and Poster Design,” guided participants through the basics of color theory and design principles. With his energetic and accessible teaching style, he encouraged everyone to think critically about how visual communication can be used to express ideas and inspire action. Participants were then challenged to create their own posters, applying what they had just learned. The hands-on activity sparked excitement and allowed each participant to showcase their creativity in a fun, supportive environment.

Throughout the day, the energy in the room was electric, thanks to the collaborative spirit and shared dedication of everyone involved. The support from the Youth Sharperz team, the staff at SiT, and the tireless efforts of the Dāna team made the event a memorable and impactful experience for all.

By the end of the workshop, participants expressed their gratitude and appreciation for the opportunity to learn, connect, and grow. Many shared that the event not only taught them valuable skills but also gave them a sense of purpose and belonging. The heartfelt conversations and new friendships that blossomed throughout the day are a testament to the power of youth engagement and community-driven initiatives.

As Dāna Education continues to expand its work across the region, events like this serve as a reminder that investing in young people is one of the most meaningful ways to shape a brighter future. With leadership, creativity, and connection as core pillars, the April 26 workshop at SiT was more than just a training—it was a spark of inspiration that will ripple out into the communities these young leaders call home.