Hanoi youth lead AI-powered digital literacy campaign, training thousands in online services
Hanoi’s young people are helping bridge the digital divide and build a more connected, tech-savvy community.
THE HANOI TIMES — Thousands of young volunteers in Hanoi are spearheading a grassroots digital transformation movement, guiding residents, especially older public servants, in adopting AI tools and mastering digital skills.
At the heart of this effort is the “Digital Literacy for All” campaign, which has trained over 9,500 people across the city since early 2025. The campaign, led by the Hanoi Youth Union and Student Association, focuses on bridging the digital divide by bringing technology directly into local communities.
“Young people are at the forefront of the digital transition. They understand the tools, offer empathy, and help others feel confident using new technologies,” said Nguyen Trung Hoang Nam, a member of the Hanoi Youth Union.
Nguyen Trung Hoang Nam, a member of the Hanoi Youth Union, explains AI during a training session. Photo: The Hanoi Times
In digital transformation classes held in Tay Ho and Cau Giay districts, youth volunteers assist local public servants in using smartphones, exploring AI features like text summarization, and navigating online services
Nam told The Hanoi Times that volunteers act not as teachers but as “companions,” tailoring their support to each learner’s pace and needs. One moment that stood out for him was watching a 50-year-old editor use AI to write a script for the first time, an example of how the program fosters lifelong learning, not just technical know-how.
“Our biggest challenge is turning curiosity into real-world use. Many have heard of ChatGPT, but few know how to apply it at work,” said Nam.
To address this, volunteers design sessions around practical content, relatable examples, and hands-on activities. The campaign draws inspiration from President Ho Chi Minh’s 1945 literacy program, reimagined today to eliminate digital illiteracy.
Nguyen Tien Hung, Deputy Secretary of the Hanoi Youth Union. Photo: Kinh te & Do thi Newspaper
Nguyen Tien Hung, Deputy Secretary of the Hanoi Youth Union and Chairman of the Hanoi Student Association, said the campaign’s scale is expanding quickly, with 526 youth teams established in the first half of 2025 to carry out the campaign. Together, they have helped over 9,500 residents hone their digital skills.
Hung called this an impressive achievement that showcases the energy, creativity, and dedication of Hanoi’s youth.
From May 19 to 30, an intensive campaign helped residents in over 120 wards and communes install iHanoi and access online public services with the support of more than 1,300 youth volunteers.
From July through August, nearly 4,000 young volunteers will continue this effort in 126 locations, bringing technology directly to local communities.
Alongside AI training, volunteers help residents install and use iHanoi, the city's digital public service platform. At recent sessions in Tu Liem District, more than 750 officials and volunteers joined in-person training courses.
Young people in Dong Da ward assist residents in taking queue tickets at the self-service kiosk at the local public administrative service center. Photo: Kinh te & Do thi Newspaper
Bui Thi Huong, an official from Cau Giay Ward, said she used to find AI confusing, but the volunteers explained it in a way that made sense. “Their friendly attitude gave me the confidence to try.”
For student volunteers, the experience is equally transformative.
Kieu Diem Huong, a University of Economics student, said that helping elderly people use AI taught her valuable teaching skills and the importance of patience and creativity.
"Helping a veteran make a video call to his daughter was an unforgettable moment," she recalled.
In Hai Ba Trung Ward, youth groups partnered with local Party branches to train elderly residents on how to use smartphones, access public services like VNeID, and even scan QR codes. In Bach Mai, Thanh Xuan, and Dong Da, volunteers go door-to-door showing residents how to book appointments or find information online.
Kieu Diem Huong guides an elderly learner in using ChatGPT during a digital skills class. Photo: Tung Lam/The Hanoi Times
“Even helping someone open an app can be a breakthrough,” said Vo Thi Mai Anh, Deputy Secretary of Dong Da Youth Union.
Online training materials, social media groups, and peer-led tutorials further strengthen the movement’s reach, turning it into a citywide knowledge-sharing network.
The campaign aligns with the city’s broader digital strategy under Politburo Resolution 57, which emphasizes science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation. The Hanoi People’s Committee has issued official plans to expand digital literacy efforts.
Nguyen Tien Hung, Deputy Secretary of the Hanoi Youth Union, called the youth-led campaign “a remarkable achievement” that reflects the energy and commitment of Hanoi’s younger generation.
Hung emphasized the importance of integrating AI, not just for public services, but in areas like health, nutrition, and exercise. Nam echoed the call, urging authorities to partner with businesses and research institutes to build digital learning communities across the city.
In Hanoi, the digital future is not arriving top-down. It’s growing from the ground up - one shared skill, one confident learner, one volunteer at a time.
