On October 7, 2007, in the People’s Committee of Kim Chung commune (Dong Anh – Ha Noi), the “Festival of Friends” was organized by Youth Union and Youth Association of Hanoi City. The festival attracted many people working in the northern Thang Long industrial zone. CHAT, a project managed by CIHP, was one of the organizations providing services on this festive day.

Although the number of workers who came to festival was less than expected, the significance of the festive day was not diminished.

CHAT opened a showroom exhibiting the project’s activities as well as materials related to care for reproductive and sexual health, such as condoms, oral contraceptive pills, and testing tools. In addition, CHAT arranged a counseling room, where five counselors provided counseling services directly to clients.

After receiving counseling services from CHAT, Le Thi Hien, an employee working in the industrial zone, said, “In the past I’ve only heard about advisory programs on the newspaper and radio. I was very curious to find out how the counselors were in reality. I discovered that the counselors were very friendly and comfortable. I shared my friend’s complicated situation with the counselor for advice. I can’t tell you yet what the effect of the counseling will be, but I will find out soon when my friend carries out the counselor’s advice.”

Besides providing counseling services to workers, CHAT’s counselors also counseled local youth who were volunteering to support the festival. Hoang Tu Anh, advisor of the CHAT project, said, “We have always tried hard to spread knowledge about sexual and reproductive health to all people, whether workers, youth volunteers or others. Furthermore, providing knowledge to voluntary youth is important in that it enables them to continue informing others about these important issues.”

Many youth volunteers received counseling services directly from CHAT’s counselors. During the counseling process, many sexual issues were clarified. Participants also participated in a group discussion about the risks that could confront them. In addition, CHAT organized many educational activities, such as role-plays that helped participants learn how to use and check the quality of condoms.

Pleasantly surprised by CHAT’s activities, Nguyen Di Truong, representative of the Youth Union, said, “We were really amazed by CHAT. Not only were the staff quite knowledgeable, but they also had enthusiasm and a warm heart for the youth generation. CHAT created an intimate and friendly atmosphere for the workers and volunteers. The Youth Union greatly appreciated CHAT’s contributions.”