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For students in big cities, it is a daily activity to access to information technology (IT), use modern facilities, participate in the STEM classes. However, these seem to be strange for students in underserved areas.
In the framework of the project YouthSpark Digital Inclusion, the "Peer-coaching schools" activity has brought together teachers and students of Na Phon Secondary School, Hoa Binh and the Olympia Schools – one of the most modern, qualified schools in Hanoi. With two study trips, this activity has built a close relationship between the two schools, left beautiful memories and unforgettable experiences to the students.
At the first trip held at the Olympia Schools on December 19th, 2017, Olympian students warmly welcomed more than 30 students and teachers from Na Phon Secondary School with great impressive preparation. They created a warm atmosphere with icebreaker games, cultural performances from both schools, bright smiles and shaking hands.
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| Students from Na Phon Secondary School visited the Olympia Schools |
Students from Hoa Binh had the opportunity to visit the modern facilities of the Olympia schools, participate in STEM and programming classes. The students of two schools got close to each other when working in teams, doing programming tasks together. In addition, they shared stories of their lives, their schools, and inspired each other's motivations, beliefs, and interests in studying.
The exchange helped students in the city understand more about their peers from mountainous areas and also broadened knowledge for student in difficult area about a whole new and interesting learning world.
Following this study trip, on January 27 & 28, nearly 30 teachers and students from the Olympia Schools organized a visit to share experiences at Na Phon Secondary School, strengthen the relationship between two schools and give meaningful gifts.
Na Phon Secondary School students welcomed their friends by exchange activities, folk games, performances to introduce Thai ethnic culture. For many Olympian students, this is the first time they have visited a school in the mountainous area. Not only did they have opportunities to expand their knowledge of ethnic culture, they also had a chance to understand further and be sympathetic with their peers who are living in much more difficult conditions.
Ms. Pham Thi Minh An, Principal of the Olympia schools shared: "The Olympia schools is delighted to collaborate with Microsoft and Vietnet ICT in this meaningful project. It is not only a charitable activity, but also a chance for teachers and students to exchange knowledge and learning methods, explore the unique culture of the Thai people and work together in practical activities. We hope that the project will continue to be supported by Microsoft in the coming years. "
Ms. Ha Thi Thuy, Principal of Na Phon Secondary School said: "This is such a meaningful activity. We hope that Na Phon and The Olympia schools will continue to maintain this close relationship for students to learn from each other through extra-curricular activities."
On the visit, representatives of the Olympia Schools gave Na Phon Secondary School meaningful gifts such as souvenir pictures, gifts for 10 students with difficult circumstances; materials and reference books for the school library. In addition, the students together took part in a practical activity - re-paint the old classrooms and renovate Na Phon’s Union meeting room.
The “Peer-coaching schools” activity is a part of the “YouthSpark Digital Inclusion” project funded by Microsoft, with the coordinated implementation of Department of Information Technology- Ministry of Education and Training and Vietnet Information Technology and Communication Center (Vietnet-ICT) since 2016.
After more than two years of implementation, over 1500 teachers and nearly 200,000 students in disadvantaged areas of 14 provinces, including Ha Noi, Hoa Binh, Quang Ninh, Hai Phong, Thai Nguyen, Quang Nam, Da Nang, Khanh Hoa, Lam Dong, Kien Giang, Soc Trang, An Giang, Vung Tau and Ho Chi Minh City have accessed to innovative learning methods and updated contents of IT, computer science and global integration.
