August 12 marks International Youth Day, an occasion to recognize the contributions of young people and the role they play in creating positive change in their communities.

At SCDI, young people have been an important part of our work alongside communities facing vulnerability and multiple barriers. Among them are volunteer tutors from Hyundai Jump School, who are supporting children through SCDI’s Breaking the Cycle program.

Through regular tutoring sessions, the volunteers provide academic support while also building trust and meaningful relationships with the children. Over time, they become trusted older siblings and companions whom children feel comfortable talking to, sharing with, and spending time with.

For the volunteers, the experience has also been a journey of learning and connection. As they spend more time with the children, they learn to listen, understand each child’s needs, and adapt their approach accordingly. Small changes, growing trust, and moments of connection become meaningful parts of their experience.

On this occasion, SCDI would like to share with you the reflections from Minh Anh and Minh Thu, two Hyundai Jump School volunteer tutors supporting the Breaking the Cycle program, on their experiences and the connections they have built with the children.

Vu Thi Minh Anh, Tutor - Huyndai Jump School Volunteer

“I have been part of the Hyundai Jump School volunteer program and a tutor with SCDI’s Breaking the Cycle program for two seasons. Although I had worked as a tutor before, my experience with Breaking the Cycle has been truly different and memorable.

The more time I spent with the children, the more I realized that each of them has their own story, needs, and abilities. This taught me to gradually adjust my expectations, teaching methods, and communication to better suit each child.

Every tutoring session with Breaking the Cycle has brought me a lot of joy and many memorable moments. Beyond studying together and supporting the children’s learning, I have also had opportunities to talk, connect, and take part in extracurricular activities with them. With each meeting, I could see the children becoming more open, comfortable, and willing to share with me.

Sometimes, seeing even the smallest changes, such as the children listening more attentively, staying more focused, or taking the initiative to share more, brings me so much joy.

Being part of the program is not only about learning together, but also playing, experiencing, and trying together. I always feel that both the volunteers and the children are supporting and learning from one another. I am sure that the time I have spent with Breaking the Cycle will remain a meaningful part of my memories for years to come.”

Nguyen Minh Thu, Tutor - Huyndai Jump School Volunteer

“Through previous programs and projects, I realized that I really enjoy working with children. When I learned about Breaking the Cycle and the circumstances of the children in the program, I wanted to join so I could meet them, understand them better, and have the opportunity to accompany them.

As I got to know the children, I realized that the circumstances and experiences they have encountered while growing up can also affect their learning and the way they interact with others. Some children are very active and need more attention, while others are more reserved and less willing to share.

This helped me understand that I need to listen patiently and recognize the challenges the children may be facing, then adjust my teaching approach to suit each child’s pace. During each class, I also try to create a safe and welcoming environment where the children can express themselves freely, participate, and feel that they are part of the class.

What makes me happiest is seeing the children become more willing to attend class and hearing them say that they really enjoy my class because it is a place where they feel comfortable sharing things they cannot share elsewhere.”