This is What the End of Impossible Looks Like

December 08, 2019

Some think putting an end to illiteracy and gender inequality in our lifetime is impossible. But not Room to Read.

Through our programs, we seek to end the impossible, enabling everyone to reach their potential through education.

For Ngoc Huynh, a program officer in Room to Read's Vietnam Girls' Education Program, ending the impossible included sitting next to Michelle Obama at the Obama Foundation Summit, discussing girls' education, impactful leadership, and meaningful work that changes the world for better.

Here is Ngoc's story

Ten years ago, I took part in a book review writing contest for Henrik Ibsen's play, "A Doll's House." In reading the play, I realized for the first time, that women could (and should!) demand freedoms like equal education, job security, financial independence, and more. I realized that girls aren’t meant to be docile or passive. The play shocked me, but more importantly, it changed the trajectory of my life, opening a new door of possibilities to champion girls' education and women's leadership.

Thinking about the freedoms women deserve from society – the ability to pursue a life in which they have the resources to be fulfilled and make positive change – pushed me to receive my Bachelor’s degree in English and a Master’s degree in Communications. From there, I became a program officer with Room to Read’s Girls’ Education Program, where I provide life skills lessons, mentoring sessions, and workshops for young girls and their families, advocating for them to use their education to become independent, driven women.

Ten years ago, this was not the path I imagined I would be on, but that’s the magic of education – its ability to open new opportunities and experiences.

“For me, this experience has challenged every barrier I ever created for myself, pushing me to ask what more can I do to ensure other women and girls have the opportunities and education I’ve received.”

As a leader, girls’ education has opened the door to amazing new experiences, like joining Michelle Obama, Ava DuVernay, Yara Shahidi, Maya Soetoro, Tina Tchen, Catharine Bertini, Billy Porter, and many more at the 2019 Obama Foundation Summit – an experience I would never have imagined.

As a selected leader from the Obama Foundation’s Girls Opportunity Alliance Network, I flew to Chicago to join other leaders from around the world to attend the Summit and a side event for the Girls Opportunity Alliance to discuss our efforts to empower girls through education and continue building a network of strong, inspired leaders. I sat next to Michelle Obama and listened to her inspire the audience as she pushed us to “Show up in your places of truth, with your full story intact” and never lose sight of that truth or let anybody tell us that it’s not of value.

As women, there is so much value in our stories and our experiences, and it’s important to be reminded of that and make sure others realize the power of their story and their voice! Getting to meet Michelle Obama and other leaders was my reminder of how I can continue using my story and experiences to uplift the Vietnamese community and define new pathways for meaningful and impactful work that creates a gender equal world.

The same concept of gender equality and independence that shocked me 10 years ago in “A Dolls House" is now my vision for the world! Investing in education is the most sustainable investment. All girls deserve education, no matter what.

As Room to Read focuses on ending the impossible in the lives of boys and girls around the world, I’m proud to be a part of that mission. I want to build a world in which, we all have the resources and support to reach our potential, regardless of gender. In December, Room to Read, and the Girls' Opportunity Alliance will be in Vietnam to shine a light on important efforts to empower girls. Our collaboration hopes to equip more girls with the critical skills they need to become leaders in their own right and build a brighter future, redefining the boundaries of what they think is possible!

Stay Tuned

To follow Ngoc’s work, learn more about what Room to Read and the Girls Opportunity Alliance are doing in Vietnam, and see how Room to Read is ending the impossible for children around the world, sign up for email updates and follow Room to Read's Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook!