Abstract

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic in northern Vietnam has increased the number of orphaned children. Vietnam’s national response to addressing the needs of orphaned children has included a focus on child protection, education, reproductive health, and HIV prevention. Youth participatory action research, such as photovoice, can empower youth populations typically excluded. Twenty-five adolescents between ages 12 and 19 participated in a youth program focused on photovoice and youth-identified topics. Focus groups and journaling identified macro-level concepts of importance, including corruption in the criminal legal system, difficulties with laws and enforcement, a lack of child protection, and exploitation. The youth reported that adults often perpetuated these risks, leading to ineffective or harmful community responses. The youth sought to address high-risk areas and developed targeted interventions. To raise awareness for social action, video and art-advocacy exhibitions featuring youth photos and quotes were disseminated to the community.