“Unsung Heroes”: When voices of workers and communities in Vietnam fully heard

THE HANOI TIMES — “Unsung Heroes” has grown beyond a contest into a national communication program where thousands of authors share real stories of ordinary people, quiet acts of dedication and overlooked policy gaps.

Its message has transcended journalism, fostering a community movement that promotes compassion, social responsibility and public trust in positive change.

Launched in late 2021 as a journalism contest by Kinh te & Do thi (Economic & Urban) Newspaper, ActionAid International in Vietnam and the Aid for Social Protection Program Foundation Vietnam (AFV), the initiative aimed to highlight the struggles of workers, women and vulnerable groups at a time when social inequalities were magnified by Covid-19.

Since then, the program has grown into a nationwide communication platform that not only documents human stories but also fosters public dialogue on social justice and inclusive development.

Associate Professor Dr Nguyen Thanh Loi, Editor-in-Chief of Kinh te & Do thi Newspaper, Head of the Organizers, said: “The past five years show that communication can lead the way, open dialogue and promote positive change. This program demonstrates the power of human-centered journalism where no voice is overlooked and every act of dedication is valued.”

After five years, the journey demonstrates a clear message that every contribution matters, every story deserves a listener and small acts of dedication can inspire wide social transformation.

From a contest to a nationwide platform

Five years ago, as the pandemic overshadowed millions of lives and countless quiet acts of dedication risked going unnoticed, the communication program “Unsung Heroes” emerged to listen, recognize and honor them.

The first season in 2021 attracted nearly 200 entries. Additionally, 19 outstanding works were awarded for capturing the resilience of workers, informal laborers and families facing hardship during social distancing.

According to Chair of the Management Board of AFV Ta Viet Anh, the program works as a bridging role connecting policy with real life and link vulnerable groups with the wider community.

In 2022, participation surged to more than 300 submissions across multiple formats, like written features, photo essays, video reports and digital storytelling. Topics ranged from women’s labor rights and social insurance gaps to challenges facing informal workers in urban centers and industrial zones.

By 2023, the program had cemented its reputation as a platform for both professional journalists and non-professional contributors to explore social protection and community resilience, attracting more than 400 entries.

A turning point came in 2024 when the contest evolved into a full-fledged communication program. That year, 651 works were submitted, including 514 from professional journalists. Apart from awards, the program organized policy dialogues, media training and multi-platform campaigns. Many entries offered practical policy solutions on disaster recovery, gender equality and access to social protection.

Hoang Phuong Thao, Country Director of ActionAid Vietnam, highlighted the empowerment of marginalized groups. “Unsung Heroes program has restored confidence among women, informal workers and people with disabilities whose stories are finally told with dignity and fairness.”

In 2025, the program continues with the theme “Ensuring livelihoods for workers after natural disasters”, addressing rising climate risks and the impacts of extreme weather on vulnerable communities reflected through more than nearly 700 submissions.

Across five years, nearly 500 authors have participated, including journalists, young writers, students and community contributors with a total of 2,100 works in different formats, including print articles, online features, broadcast stories, podcasts, short videos and e-magazines.

Remarkably, one third of the total submissions are non-professional ones, coming from students, youth groups and young local writers. Their perspectives amplified the program’s human-centered message to millions of social media users.

To date, 125 entries have reached the final round and 96 works by individual or collective authors have been awarded, with total prizes exceeding VND1 billion (US$38,000).

Inspiring a more inclusive society

The program has gone far beyond a contest, as organizers conducted four field trips and policy dialogues at industrial zones, craft villages and ethnic minority communities. Each trip was engaged with nearly 20 media agencies, engaging around 200 local residents in discussions on social protection, labor issues and sustainable livelihoods.

Meanwhile, 10 policy dialogues featured researchers, experts and government representatives on social insurance, disaster risks, digital transformation and healthcare for vulnerable groups, and livestreamed to a national audience.

In addition, the legal advisory section on social protection recorded over 128,000 visits, providing practical guidance for workers.

Over the years, a collaboration with the Academy of Journalism and Communication has trained students in podcast production, generating hundreds of creative, inspirational non-professional works and extending the program’s reach to younger audiences.

Associate Professor Dr Bui Thi An, former National Assembly deputy, stressed the role of the program, saying it serves as a bridge connecting policymakers with realities on the ground and nurtures a more compassionate public mindset.

The program has laid a solid foundation for future growth. Organizers aim to expand both scale and quality, promoting practical support for vulnerable groups and addressing urgent social issues.

The spirit of “Unsung Heroes” will continue, carried forward by journalists, social organizations and millions of people committed to a fairer and more humane society.