25.06.21 - TRAINING AMBASSADORS PRE-BOOTCAMP
HANOI | 21-22 Jun 2025 - Growing Into Leadership
DAY 1 - 21 JUN 2025
1. Morning Discussion: What Makes a Leader?
The day began with deep reflection as the ambassadors explored core leadership questions:
What must a leader do?
Who is a leader to you?
Who do you look up to and why?
They were challenged to look beyond titles—to reflect on character, presence, and clarity. Through guided drawing exercises, personal insights began to surface. This review was part of the first of four sessions under the Global Citizen track, focused on Leadership. Everyone aspires to lead—but what drives that desire? Do they truly understand the responsibility it carries, or deserve the role they seek? These questions remain open, demanding deeper reflection. Thus , that’s where we started.
After hearing a few of them speak in slow, hesitant tones, DAV79 jumped in to craft the first set of messages :
If you don’t speak loud enough to be heard, how can you lead?
If you don’t speak clearly enough to be understood, how can others follow you?
Candid Observations:
Luna: Offered a structured and thoughtful answer highlighting inspiration, safety, and kindness. She selected a CEO as her role model leader, explaining that a true leader doesn't just show the way, but creates the way for others to follow. A natural maturity with a clear vision for leadership.
Emma: Joked initially, suggesting her younger brother as a leader because 'he always tells people what to do.' After laughter, she reflected more seriously and chose her father as a role model for his calm presence, thoughtful decisions, and ability to help others without needing recognition. Remarkably, she embodied this value right away when Annie joined the group quietly, feeling shy and unsure. Without being asked or prompted, Emma gently approached Annie, soothed her, and guided her into the group dynamic. While many spoke of leadership as helping others, Emma was the one who quietly, genuinely demonstrated it in action. We are very proud of Emma for that and Dav79 mentioned it to others to know how leadership and helpfulness are demonstrated in real life, in such a way that they can see from Emma - their sister
Victor: Quiet yet observant. When prompted, he shared that a leader is someone kind, helpful, and able to make people happy, have fun, and laugh. His reflection pointed to two powerful leadership traits: humor and happiness. Needs encouragement to project more, but holds strong emotional intelligence beneath the surface.
Annie: Less vocal, reflective through drawing.
Richard: Energetic, sometimes diverted focus, but enthusiastic. He shared that a leader is someone who guides the way—not to control others, but to help them fix what’s wrong and support them in improving their reputation. It was a deep and thoughtful response. However, Richard needs to move from words to embodiment: unless he takes action and demonstrates this mindset through behavior, it remains textbook theory—sounding great, but ultimately offering no personal transformation or impact.
2. Bootcamp Expo Simulation: Practicing Purposeful Speaking
The ambassadors had to explain the plan for the last-day Expo to a non-English-speaking parent:
What’s the flow of the event?
What booths are there?
What can visitors and kids do or get?
Each ambassador had to explain and respond clearly while being assessed.
Spotlight on Luna: She was assigned the role to take the lead and start the presentation. Initially, she resisted and needed a little more encouragement than usual. With no alternative, she decided to begin—but insisted on presenting in English. Victor was then assigned to translate into Vietnamese for the parent. However, as Luna spoke, she noticed that Victor’s translation didn’t fully reflect her core message. Midway, she confidently interrupted and asked, “Can I do it?” She then restarted the explanation in Vietnamese—this time with clarity and confidence. This moment highlighted her growth in ownership and adaptability.
Learning Outcome: Many struggled with structured thoughts and clarity. It revealed how much work is needed in translating vision into clear communication.
Leadership in Action: Before heading to lunch, all were reminded to:
Finish their drinks
Be responsible and no waste. Whatever you ordered, you need to finish
Leave the coffee shop neat and respectful, as it was before we came
The ambassadors had to explain the plan for the last-day Expo to a non-English-speaking parent:
What’s the flow of the event?
What booths are there?
What can visitors and kids do or get?
Each ambassador had to explain and respond clearly while being assessed.
Learning Outcome: Many struggled with structured thoughts and clarity. It revealed how much work is needed in translating vision into clear communication.
Leadership in Action: Before heading to lunch, all were reminded to:
Finish their drinks
Be responsible and no waste. Whatever you ordered, you need to finish
Leave the coffee shop neat and respectful, as it was before we came
3. Lunch Break: Etiquette and Discipline
Led by Cloudy’s suggestion, the team walked under the mid-day heat to a nearby eatery. They didn’t enjoy the walk much and voiced their discomfort along the way, but eventually adapted. The restaurant, tucked away like a hidden gem in a small alley, felt like a secret hideout — a quiet reward after the tiring journey. At lunch:
Before the food arrived, Richard enthusiastically took on the role of distributing chopsticks and spoons to everyone. However, his high energy and low patience showed — he rushed and almost "threw" them toward others. He was gently reminded that leadership also meant care and respect in small actions, and that this moment was his chance to practice.
They were constantly reminded: “Eat everything on your plate. Cannot waste anything”
The portion of the meal was meant for an adult — rice, pork, and vegetables (like smashed pumpkin and sprout beans) — not exactly a child-friendly menu. The team was constantly reminded to finish their plates and warned that wasting food would mean paying extra. We could see the struggle in their faces, but what was impressive was their behavior: they listened, followed the instructions, and didn’t complain or rebel.
Most of them completed their plates. Emma struggled, eating very slowly, but her determination to complete what she called her "mission" was admirable and deserving of applause. Victor also struggled, but cleverly and politely asked DAV79, “Do you want anything?” — a strategic way of hinting. Luna didn’t finish the vegetable portion, especially the smashed pumpkin and sprouts. Annie passed some of her portion to her mom.
This experience became a metaphor for ownership, responsibility, and gratitude.
and probably even subtly training….
4. Midday Zoom Check-in: The Learning Space - An international Community of the young minds
In a Zoom call with international young minds from Singapore, India and Bali, each ambassador took turns to share their takeaways, revealing a mix of nerves, honesty, and insight:
Richard: Introduced himself and gave a general summary of the session, stating it was about “leadership and global citizen.” While he stumbled a bit, his clarity improved as he continued. His attempt reflected effort but lacked full presence or personal ownership of the content.
Luna: Spoke confidently in English, introducing her age and team, then elaborated on the leader she picked — a CEO who inspires both inside and outside his company, is friendly and supportive, and even encourages employees' ventures. Her message was clear and structured, delivered with composure and depth.
Victor: Presented his part in a mix of play and explanation. He shared that he worked at a “shop,” helping people buy things like presents and tools for games. His tone was cheerful and imaginative, although his ideas were more playful than reflective. Still, he brought energy and engagement.
Annie: Quiet but brave. She shared that she learned about what a leader should do, and chose her mom as a role model for being kind, funny, and helpful. Her words were simple but sincere, and she spoke with a sweet calmness that drew smiles.
Emma (continued at the end): Summed up the message that a leader always helps others. She also briefly recalled some of the morning’s games and sessions. Her summary was clear but a bit rushed, likely from nervousness.
Each ambassador’s delivery reflected their current mindset:
Luna showed clarity and growth.
Richard had the right intent but needs to ground his delivery with more personal conviction.
Victor shone in imagination but would benefit from clearer structure.
Annie was emotionally anchored, demonstrating growing confidence.
Emma connected key messages but should push herself further in articulation and express her energy.
This reflection session pushed each of them out of their comfort zones — linking local growth to global witness.
5. Afternoon Improv Workshop with Mr. Daniel: From Play to Presence
The ambassadors joined a 2-hour improv session focused on:
Roleplay
Spontaneity
Team storytelling
They practiced listening, reacting, and performing with physicality and presence. Rules were strict: stay in role, no distraction, no touching.
Improv Show: After just two hours, each group performed a 5-minute scene – imaginative, engaging, and coherent in front of parents and facilitators - for the first time :)
Mr. Daniel started extremely energetic: Welcome to the Little Creature Theater! Woo! Today, we have two special acts.
The first featured the dynamic duo of Richard and Victor, blending everyday humor and surreal ideas, including a millionaire CEO and magical misadventures. Their playful banter, physical expression, and role switches sparked laughter and surprise. These two boys were quick and creative, but at times drifted away from their assigned characters. Mr. Daniel had to step in with reminders to help them refocus. Thankfully, they were able to get back on track and deliver a spirited performance.
The second act was a colorful collaboration by Luna, Emma, and Annie, who brought a food-court competition to life — with bakery brawls, ice cream challenges, and a customer voting scene. During backstage prep, Luna initially expressed a desire to win the contest, but so did Annie. In a moment of quiet maturity, Luna gently said, "Okay, you win," demonstrating a leadership trait of "No Me" — letting go of ego to help others shine. Despite their nervousness, the girls delivered a scene full of witty comebacks, shifting alliances, and a final wholesome conclusion. A standout moment was their brilliant directorial choice to include the audience in their act by inviting one member to become a food judge — a touch of interactive theater led confidently by Luna. This group not only performed their parts but thoughtfully integrated others, highlighting Luna’s instinctive directorial leadership and the trio's collaborative charm.
These performances were raw yet full of spirit — and it was astonishing to see such creativity bloom after just a short rehearsal window. Let’s watch and enjoy the show with us!!!
Individual Highlights & Emerging Leadership Styles:
Luna: Mature, strategic, empathetic, and composed. Directed part of the show with sharp critical thinking, clarity in group coordination, and strong metacognitive skills. Applause-worthy.
Emma: Gentle, emotionally aware, and collaborative. Sensitive in character exploration. Needs more confidence and initiative to assert her strong ideas.
Annie: Confident, imaginative, and expressive with strong self-presence. Needs to work on group dynamics and listening to evolve from self-centered play to ensemble performance.
Victor: Expressive, energetic, and bold. Excels in structured contexts. Needs to develop more focus, follow instructions, and build reflective responses.
Richard: Bold, creative, and full of ideas. Can challenge authority, but showed surprising depth in performance. Needs support in balancing independence with constructive collaboration.
6. Wrap-Up & Homework
The day closed with reflection and homework prompts for continued personal growth:
Think about your Expo explanation: What worked well in your delivery? Where did you stumble? What would you do differently next time?
Identify one leadership trait you demonstrated today. Was it clarity? Courage? Care? Did anyone notice it?
Name one trait you want to strengthen tomorrow. What action will show it?
Ambassadors were reminded that this journey is not about perfection, but awareness and progress. Their stories, choices, and small habits today laid the foundation for how they show up as leaders tomorrow. As a token of appreciation for their commitment and courage throughout the day, they were treated to a well-deserved ice cream break at Kem Tràng Tiền — a beloved Hanoi classic known for its nostalgic flavors and timeless charm. This sweet finale wrapped up the day with smiles, laughter, and a shared sense of accomplishment before heading home.
7. General Performance of the Day
DAY 2 - 21 JUN 2025
1. Morning Discussion: What is a Global Citizen?
The ambassadors began Day 2 with a new inquiry: “What does it mean to be a global citizen?”
Sitting in a local café, the children were asked to reflect quietly, then share their thoughts. Their interpretations ranged from travel and language to kindness and contribution. Their insights reflected a developing awareness of self in relation to the world:
Victor spoke about wanting to help others around the world. His concept of global citizenship tied closely to kindness and being helpful, regardless of nationality.
Emma associated it with bravery—having the courage to meet people different from you and still be kind. She mentioned people like her dad who helped others in quiet ways.
Annie, still shy but observant, connected it to equality—“no matter where you’re from, you deserve respect.”
Richard focused on travel and learning different languages. He believed that global citizens should be able to speak to many people and understand their culture.
Luna defined a global citizen as “someone who listens, helps, and learns wherever they are.” Her response reflected both humility and responsibility.
2. Street Interview Challenge: Talking to Strangers
To stretch their social confidence and practical communication skills, the ambassadors were tasked with a real-world challenge: approach international tourists in Hanoi’s bustling Old Quarter and interview them about what it means to be a global citizen.
They had to:
Introduce themselves clearly
Ask three pre-written questions
Listen actively
Say thank you politely
Despite early nerves, all five ambassadors took on the challenge with courage.
Highlights:
Luna was the first to volunteer and approach a couple from Europe. She initiated in English, smiled, and asked questions clearly. She even rephrased a question when she sensed confusion — demonstrating adaptability and audience awareness.
Richard approached with energy but spoke too quickly. He was reminded to slow down and focus on clarity. His second attempt was far more successful.
Emma was thoughtful and soft-spoken, yet confident. She offered smiles and listened attentively.
Victor had a gentle presence that made the tourists smile. His sincerity and calm pacing worked in his favor.
Annie, though hesitant, eventually stepped up and completed the task with quiet strength.
Each interview was followed by a self-assessment where the ambassadors scored themselves on clarity, confidence, and kindness.
Key Learning: Communication is not just about asking questions — it’s about how you listen, make others feel safe, and show gratitude.
3. Reflection and Feedback Circle
Back in a shaded courtyard, the group shared reflections:
“It’s hard to talk to new people, but when you smile, they smile too.” – Emma
“I forgot my question but then I remembered my smile.” – Victor
“I felt scared, but I did it anyway.” – Annie
“I wanted to talk fast to get it done, but that’s not respectful.” – Richard
“I think being a global citizen is about respect and presence.” – Luna
As usual, they joined zoom online to daily share and update with the international peers:
4. Backstage activity: Bridge of Belonging
The ambassadors participated in a creative challenge titled “Bridge of Belonging.” They were given recycled materials and asked to:
Build a physical bridge using teamwork
Name the bridge
Share what the bridge symbolizes for them
Their bridges became metaphors:
Emma and Victor’s bridge was named "Kindness Path." It featured two pillars — courage and empathy.
Luna and Annie’s bridge was called "Bridge of Stories" — it had space for people to stop, share, and listen.
Richard’s bridge, though less polished, was called "World Connector," featuring flags from different countries.
These bridges sparked conversations about inclusion, identity, and building unity across difference.
5. Role Assignment Ceremony – Embracing Leadership Identities
In an important turning point of the day, the ambassadors were invited to draw their future roles for the upcoming bootcamp. Before drawing, DAV79 said firmly:
“Once you choose, you cannot exchange. You have to be ready to fight your way through, because a leader does not give up.”
Each ambassador picked a secret card prepared by the team and revealed their designated leadership role during the Expo:
Richard was assigned the role of Sentinel, the royal guard responsible for observation and discipline. He had to report behaviors with accuracy and fairness and uphold a serious example for others. This role challenges him to focus and stay grounded.
Victor became the Snapper, the silent media observer responsible for watching, documenting, and leading the digital capture and drone team across regions. His calm awareness and presence make him fit well.
Luna drew the role of Smart Trader, leading all shops, setting fair pricing, and managing resources. With her logic, ethics, and calm negotiation skills, this role aligns closely with her strengths.
And Annie became the Game Master, in charge of training and energizing game zones for participant engagement. A role full of movement and social interaction — it will challenge her to connect and command attention.
The children embraced their roles with curiosity and a touch of anticipation — it marked a key moment in their leadership evolution.
5. What if : Closing Dialogue with Lin91
Psychologist Lin91 joined for the final hour to observe and interact.
He shared:
“The most powerful thing I saw today was not how well you spoke English or how pretty your bridge was. It was how you showed respect. When you paused to listen, made room for others, or waited your turn — that’s when I saw real leadership.”
He gave each ambassador a short feedback:
Luna: “You’re a quiet storm — powerful when you speak. Keep stepping forward.”
Victor: “Your calm energy helps others feel safe. That’s rare.”
Emma: “You lead by heart — keep practicing voice too.”
Annie: “You took brave steps today. Social courage matters.”
Richard: “Channel your energy into listening — you’ll see new magic.” DAV79 muttered firestarted.
6. Talent Cards Release – Evaluating Skillset & Mindset in Action
As the day closed, a special moment arrived: the Talent Cards were revealed.
Linh, part of the behavior research team, presented each child with 4 cards summarizing their performance of Day 1
“These cards are not grades,” she explained. “They’re mirrors — showing how your mindset and behavior look when you’re in action.”
Linh explained that the cards were formed using 360* input. Each card included:
Key traits and performance highlights
Opportunities for growth
A personal summary on the back
Luna stood out for her maturity, depth, and clarity in group settings. Emma impressed with an unexpected transformation—from a quiet observer to a thoughtful contributor, showing remarkable sensitivity and situational awareness. Richard and Victor brought contagious enthusiasm and energy, though both were reminded of the importance of structure and sharper observation. Annie’s drive and competitive spirit were evident, and she was encouraged to channel that motivation toward deeper social connection and integration.
7. General Reflections on Performance
Each ambassador exhibited unique leadership and global citizenship:
Emma surprised the team by showing gentle initiative — stepping in to help Annie without being prompted, volunteering during cleanup, and showing quiet consistency throughout the day. She still needs support to be more assertive, but her kindness-led actions are increasingly visible.
Luna continued to develop her leadership through structure and empathy. She occasionally hesitated when placed in the spotlight but rose to each challenge — from leading group discussions to quietly coaching peers. Her thoughtful corrections (e.g., discouraging inappropriate language) also show moral clarity.
Victor brought warmth and sincerity. He sometimes lost focus, but when reoriented, he contributed meaningfully. His interaction with tourists revealed natural diplomacy.
Annie showed progress in integrating with the group, though her social bonding still requires nurturing. Her competitive nature surfaced again, and while it fuels her determination, learning to collaborate with more openness will be key to her continued growth.
Richard remained high-energy and occasionally impulsive, requiring redirection. He is logical and driven but must continue working on patience and social sensitivity. He showed noticeable effort to adapt — particularly during the street interview redo.
The team will continue nurturing these traits as they move into Day 3+ where ambassadors in Hanoi can keep joining in face to face and who are far away can join zoom online.
Closing Thought:
Being a global citizen is not about how far you travel, but how deeply you connect. It’s not just about speaking — it’s about making others feel heard.
The young ambassadors walked away sticky-fingered but stronger — one smile, one question, one bridge at a time.
How the World can finance honor. That leadership is inherent in the empathetic self. Leadership is a form of action to organize its members to be better. Only leaders can. Without leaders the world will fall apart or even flow rapidly into the abyss of destruction.If a leader is someone who knows how to regulate his actions by influencing actions, that is the meaning of leadership. If only leaders are a good foundation, why This world is still defeated by corruptors? How many officials? And how does one think about an effort and action that can produce good achievements according to goals. Action is the goal. How can the Universe be formed without a leader? If there is a leader, what is the use of Global Citizen? If people who do not organize their members become better, The leader does not speak up or rather is not a leader. Without a leader everything will be broken. Because not everyone is Perfect straight on the specified path without seeing the stones lying around the feet of the pedestrian. T Nothing is perfect, what exists is how to set goals with good actions.
There is no people understands that leadership is an act of organizing a pattern of Members and being a good example for its members.Even if the members respect a leader. Leaders lead. As my proverb says, if there is no soil on the plant, then there is no such thing as planting trees or plants.
Saya sangat suka dengan sesi ini🤩There we can see the members really enjoying the bootcamp, it may be a bit tiring but it's really fun.In this session, I learned a lot about how to be a good leader for the members. Not only that, we also learned how to interact well with the people around us.This bootcamp is very very useful for the future, I hope this bootcamp continues. GOOD WORK TEAM!!!!