Miss Universe Vietnam H’Hen Niê announces philanthropic commitment to global education as Room to Read Ambassador

H’Hen Niê, Miss Universe Vietnam and Miss Universe 2018 pageant contestant, has been named an ambassador for Room to Read, a global non-profit focused on literacy and girls’ education. The announcement was made today by Room to Read following International Youth Day, which celebrates youth’s contributions to advancing global society. H’Hen Niê has committed to a personal fundraising goal of US$22,000 to fund the creation of a Room to Read library stocked with quality reading materials in Lam Dong Province, Vietnam as well as the support of 50 girls across Asia and Africa to complete secondary school and develop key life skills through Room to Read’s Girls’ Education Program. Fans and supporters can donate to her campaign at https://give.roomtoread.org/hhen.

H’Hen Niê’s philanthropic commitment is aligned with Room to Read’s global movement called Active for Education, https://give.roomtoread.org/get-active, which encourages supporters around the world to activate their body and mind through personalized fundraising campaigns. As a Room to Read ambassador, H’Hen Niê will participate in awareness raising activities to advocate for Room to Read’s programs in literacy and girls’ education, which enable students to reach their full potential and contribute to society.

“Growing up as an ethnic minority in Vietnam, I have seen firsthand that education is the only way to break the cycle of poverty,” said H’Hen Niê. “I want children everywhere to flourish, dream big and have the resilience to overcome obstacles.”

H’Hen Niê is of the Ede group, an ethnic minority in Vietnam and comes from a family of farmers. Her passion for Room to Read’s mission stems from her personal experience overcoming obstacles, including working multiple jobs as a housekeeper and waitress, to finance her own education and pursue her dreams. As reigning Miss Universe Vietnam she has actively championed numerous social causes and has participated in community activities in Vietnam. Earlier this year, H’Hen Niê engaged with Room to Read’s Girls’ Education Program in Tra Vinh Province, Vietnam where she was a guest speaker at a life skills session about early marriage and pregnancy with a cohort of female students supported by the program. She also addressed male students about their role in building healthy and respectful relationships with young women.

“Room to Read is equipping young women with the skills to exude confidence and bravery so that they may dare to dream and pursue a path that they choose for themselves, rather than the one forced upon them,” said H’Hen Niê.