Programme provides Vietnamese children with equitable learning opportunities on STEAM

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the STEAM for Vietnam Foundation announced on June 15 a new long-term partnership to provide children in Vietnam with equitable learning opportunities on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) related areas, online and offline, meeting globally recognised standards.

At the signing ceremony for the partnership between UNICEF and the STEAM for Vietnam Foundation. (Photo: UNICEF Vietnam)
At the signing ceremony for the partnership between UNICEF and the STEAM for Vietnam Foundation. (Photo: UNICEF Vietnam)

This shared value partnership aims to close the digital gap and promote digital literacy for millions of children and adolescents in Vietnam, aligning with the Vietnamese Government’s strategy for the next five years.

According to UNICEF Representative in Vietnam Rana Flowers, this joint partnership programme will contribute to nationally recognised online learning solutions and the digital transformation of the education system in Vietnam.

“In joining hands to drive digital literacy and skills for children at every age, STEAM for Vietnam and UNICEF will partner on the broader Reimagine Education goals that include connectivity and a digital device for every child to learn on and thrive”, she stated.

Digital literacy and creative learning should start at an early age and continue through the school years, so that children and adolescents can practice and acquire the skills for work in the future.

By working together, UNICEF and STEAM for Vietnam will leverage technology to close the digital divide, so vividly exposed by the pandemic crisis, ensuring equal opportunity for all children, everywhere and at all school levels, to engage, learn and create.

With a shared vision and commitment from multi-stakeholders, digital learning solutions can be rapidly developed, adapted and institutionalized to empower and support both students and teachers.

For his part, Dr. Tran Viet Hung, CEO of the STEAM for Vietnam Foundation said that the organisation is honored and excited to begin their journey with UNICEF, with the aim of providing every child with equal opportunities in accessing world-class STEAM education for free.

Under the partnership, the STEAM for Vietnam Foundation will provide two courses for children from 8 to 16 years old this summer. These include “Introduction to Computational Thinking and Programming with Scratch”, and “Introduction to Computer Science with Python”.

The classes will take place on Sunday mornings from June 27, to August 15, 2021, taught by software engineers who work in tech giants. To register, students can visit www.steamforvietnam.org.