Vietnam Rise supports grassroots activists inside VietnamCEFR A2
25 Oct 2025
Adapted from Mong Palatino, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Ngwynh Lawrence, Unsplash
Restrictions on civic space in Vietnam make it harder for activists and human rights groups to work without state pressure. International awareness is low because Vietnam has an image as an economic success and tourist destination.
Vietnam Rise was founded by members of the Vietnamese diaspora to raise awareness and support activists inside Vietnam. The organisation publishes studies, runs fellowship and incubation programs, and accepts participants in biannual intakes. The fellowship trains leadership skills and the incubation gives seed grants and project support. Fellows work on labor rights, educational access and LGBT issues. The group also organises in-person training and study tours.
Staff say state media sometimes spreads misinformation and legal limits have led to charges such as tax evasion, anti-state propaganda and "abusing democratic freedoms." Outside Vietnam, there is also a lack of accessible information in English about civil society.
Difficult words
- activist — A person who works for political or social change.activists
- freedom — The state of being free, not controlled.
- rights — Legal or moral entitlements to have or do something.
- support — Help or assistance given to someone.
- train — Teach skills or knowledge for a job.training
- change — To make something different.changes
- program — A planned series of activities or events.programs
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Why do you think freedom of expression is important?
- How can training help community leaders?
- What challenges do you think activists face in other countries?
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