BIS Hanoi students help mountainous children through project Chalk Road

By Thy An   September 17, 2024 | 10:30 pm PT
Chalk Road, a students-led project awarded a US$9,000 Social Impact Grant by Nord Anglia Education, has expanded its impact to under-resourced schools in Vietnam's mountainous regions.

The project team, consisting of 23 high school students from British International School (BIS Hanoi) and other secondary schools across the city, organized a a series of workshop under the theme "Connect to Empower" benefiting 1,400 students at Thanh Kim Primary and Secondary School in Thanh Hoa Province.

In addition to the NAE Social Impact Grant, the Chalk Road team launched a public fundraising campaign two months ahead of their trip and successfully secured a donation of educational resources worth VND180 million ($7,336).

BIS Hanoi students playing with 1,400 children during extracurricular activities titled Connect to Empower. Photo courtesy of BIS Hanoi

BIS Hanoi students playing with 1,400 children during extracurricular activities titled "Connect to Empower." Photo courtesy of BIS Hanoi

Founded and led by Pham Bui Gia Khanh, Chalk Road is dedicated to promoting "holistic and sustainable education" by fostering self-confidence and empowering students to realize their full potential, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals..

After its first outreach at Dieu Luong School in the northern province of Phu Tho in August 2023, the team visited Thanh Kim School in October to assess its needs.

In December 2023, with support from the Senior Leadership Team at BIS Hanoi and Cooper, Head of Enrichment, the students secured funding of US$9,000 from the Nord Anglia Education Social Impact Grant.

Most of the funds will be allocated to organizing activities and providing additional resources for students at Thanh Kim in 2024-2025.

The team also returned to Dieu Luong to celebrate Christmas, run workshops, and offer scholarships to top students.

Arriving at Thanh Kim on August 9, the Chalk Road team was greeted by 800 students and teachers. They donated educational resources worth VND90 million (US$3,667), including smart TVs, laptops, sports equipment, art supplies, and books.

Chalk Road projects representative student handing VND90 million (US$3,667) donation to Thanh Kim Primary and Secondary Schools representative. Photo courtesy of BIS Hanoi

Chalk Road project's representative student handing VND90 million (US$3,667) donation to Thanh Kim Primary and Secondary School's representative. Photo courtesy of BIS Hanoi

On the second day at Thanh Kim, project leader Gia Khanh presented the new "Smart Library" project which includes a 65-inch smart TV, an air conditioner, two large bookshelves, four computers, and a wide selection of both Vietnamese and English academic and fiction books.

The new smart library at Thanh Kim Secondary school presented by Chalk Road project team. Photo courtesy of BIS Hanoi

The new smart library at Thanh Kim Secondary school presented by Chalk Road project team. Photo courtesy of BIS Hanoi

The team then carried on with workshops in sports, dance, art, and drama, filling the school with joyful laughter and vibrant energy.

The team conducted workshops in sports, dance, art, and drama, filling the school with laughter and excitement.

A professional counselor was also invited to guide students through discussions about their dreams and passions, with activities like a drama workshop where students acted out career scenarios and a "Dream Tree" activity where they reflected on their goals.

Despite initial hesitation, students expressed their aspirations with support from the team and their peers.

Reflecting on the trip, Gia Khanh acknowledged

the challenges of managing activities for 700 primary students on the first day and 700 secondary students on the second, all with just 23 volunteers.

Every day ended with a team reflection session."The most memorable moments were when we realized how much we learned from one another: from problem-solving in stressful conditions to learning to deeply reflect and to truly empathize," Khanh said.

Judy Kang Minju, Year 12 at BIS Hanoi, participated in Chalk Road for the first time and found the experience eye-opening. "Despite living in Vietnam, it was my first deep dive into its culture. The students' talents were incredible. Leading the sessions was challenging but rewarding, teaching me that connection extends beyond words—it’s in our expressions and mutual respect. The memories with the Chalk Road team will stay with me forever," said Judy.

Richard Vaughan, principal at BIS Hanoi, remarked that he was proud of the students for their dedication and continuous effort in expanding the Chalk Road project to create a positive impact on the learning experience of many children in the mountainous provinces of Vietnam.

"Their hard work and compassion truly embody the core value of "care" in the school's Aide Memoire. This project not only showcases their remarkable leadership but also reaffirms the strong commitment of the BIS community as a whole in empowering the students to take action to make the world a better place," said Richard.

Nguyen Van Cuong, principal of Thanh Kim Secondary School, said the children have had a meaningful exchange, bonding with the Chalk Road team, being coached with important life skills and social knowledge, and receiving career orientation mentoring.

Moving forward, the school is committed to using the smart library and other donated resources to help students develop their talents and prepare for the future.

Khanh added that the Chalk Road team plan to organize a one-day return trip to Thanh Hoa and Phu Tho, bringing books and computers, and will continue providing scholarships for camps, workshops, and competitions in Hanoi to further develop young talents in both provinces.

 
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