In late September and early October, EVG welcomed students from the National Institute of Education (NIE) from Singapore to Phong Thanh Commune, Cau Ke District, Tra Vinh Province, to conduct lessons for local primary, secondary, and high school students.

Over four days, the students had the opportunity to learn from and interact with the NIE students. This experience boosted their confidence in communication and inspired them to continue their learning journey.

In addition to the lessons, the NIE students participated in various activities such as trying on traditional Vietnamese clothing, learning Vietnamese, visiting unfortunate families, enjoying dinner and sunset by the river. A highlight was the campfire night, where everyone danced, sang, and celebrated, transcending language barriers. The joyful smiles, energetic dancing, and warm camaraderie around the crackling fire created a truly unforgettable experience.

EVG would like to express our sincere gratitude to the students and faculty of NIE for their continued trust and partnership in our community service initiatives for the third consecutive year. We also extend our thanks to the Vietnamese volunteers who worked hard to provide translation services for the students. We look forward to seeing you all on future projects.

In October, the teachers and students from Outram Secondary School visited Phong Thanh Commune, Cau Ke District, Tra Vinh Province to collaborate with EVG in building and installing solar-powered lights, illuminating and greening the roads in the village. In addition, there were teaching activities and cultural exchanges with local students.

Everyone created beautiful memories and shared unforgettable moments together. Through this project, the young volunteers also had the opportunity to experience the service-learning model — learning through community service, which EVG has been promoting for many years!

EVG would like to express our gratitude to the teachers and students of Outram Secondary School for the dedicated efforts on this project. We also appreciate the invaluable support of the Vietnamese volunteers in assisting with translations for the group and local students. We look forward to collaborating with you all on future projects.

In December, ECO Vietnam Group welcomed teachers and students from The Institute of Technical Education (ITE) to Tra Vinh through the International Service-Learning project.

EVG, together with ITE, designed a training program in the hospitality industry for students in Tra Vinh. They had the chance to learn about the different departments in a hotel or restaurant, as well as practical skills such as towel folding, table setting, and beverage preparation for guests.

Additionally, the ITE participants worked with us to build a garden for the local children, creating a fun and dynamic environment for learning and play. The ITE students were also guided to install solar-powered lampposts to illuminate the rural roads, making the local community safer.

The group was also connected by EVG to visit the Macapuno Museum of Vicosap, where they learned about the story of how valuable agricultural products from Cau Ke, particularly the unique macapuno, have been transformed into internationally recognized products.. EVG would like to thank Vicosap for warmly welcoming us and providing the students with the opportunity to explore, experience, and discover the process of turning local agricultural products, especially the macapuno, into quality products.

The activity of visiting disadvantaged households, listening to and sharing their stories, helped participants of the ISL participants gain a deeper understanding of the struggles and efforts these families have gone through. To wrap up the experience, one of EVG’s special traditions – the campfire – took place. It was a time for everyone to reminisce about memorable moments spent together, engage in cultural exchange, and enjoy the warmth of the fire, holding hands and laughing together around the glowing campfire.

In Ho Chi Minh City, The ITE teachers and students also had a chance to visit Van Lang University and participated in a workshop on “Exploring Consumer Psychology in the Service Industry.” EVG sincerely thanks the Honors Program of Van Lang University for hosting and organizing this meaningful workshop. In addition, there were many other activities, such as visiting the War Remnants Museum, the Saigon Central Post Office and the High-Tech Agricultural Park.

EVG would like to express our gratitude to the Institute of Technical Education Singapore, the teachers of Phong Phu High School, and the local authorities for their support in making this project a success. We also thank the volunteers who accompanied EVG in this project. We look forward to collaborating on even more meaningful projects in the future.

RECAP ISL 2419 – COLORING LIFE WITH EVG x SMU

In December, EVG collaborated with a group of students from Singapore Management University (SMU) to carry out activities in Trà Vinh as part of the International Service Learning project. The project not only addressed community needs but also provided an opportunity for young people to develop personally, raise awareness about social responsibility, and create lasting memories.

The main activities of the project included painting and decorating the walls of Hoa Tan B Primary School, creating a vibrant learning environment for the students. In addition, the students took part in life skills and critical thinking lessons, expanding their knowledge and acquiring essential skills for the future.

During this journey, the SMU students also had the opportunity to exchange cultures with the Vietnamese volunteers of V-team, through activities such as food exchange and traditional dress try-on. This allowed the young participants to not only contribute to the community but also learn many valuable lessons about each other’s cultures and lifestyles. Another highlight of the project was the visit to Vicosap, a local brand specializing in products made from coconut, where the students got to experience the local specialty firsthand.

The program continued with a visit to Văn Lang University in Ho Chi Minh City, where the SMU students participated in a workshop on “Circular Economy.” They heard insights from Dòng Dòng, a brand known for recycling old tarps into accessories and bags. EVG would like to extend our gratitude to Dòng Dòng and Văn Lang University (VLU) for their collaboration in organizing this program.

At the end of the program, the group had the opportunity to visit a high-tech agricultural area, which focuses on applying research and advanced technology in the agriculture sector. Here, the students learned about the application of technology in sustainable agricultural development, helping to raise awareness about environmental protection and sustainability issues.

EVG would like to express sincere thanks to Singapore Management University, Hoa Tan B Primary School, local authorities, and the V-team volunteers for their support in making this project a success. We hope that these experiences not only helped the youth contribute to the community but also became a valuable part of their future journeys.

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RECAP ISL 2417 – ECO VIETNAM GROUP x VICTORIA JUNIOR COLLEGE

The first International Service Learning project of ECO Vietnam Group in Sapa, Lao Cai, in particular, and in the northern region of Vietnam in general, conducted in collaboration with Victoria Junior College (VJC), has concluded with great success.

During the five days spent at the school with the children, the team had the opportunity to learn and immerse themselves in the warm, welcoming environment of the H’Mong ethnic people amidst the breathtaking landscape where the earth meets the sky.

Moreover, the team supported the local community by:

+ Teaching English for 5 days at the Hau Thao Primary and Secondary School for Ethnic Minorities

+ Installing 5 solar-powered lights

+ Creating a vegetable garden at the school

+ Organizing a cultural exchange night for over 300 H’Mong boarding students and Singaporean friends

The team also visited Lao Cai High School For The Gifted, engaged in cultural exchanges, and participated in traditional Vietnamese games such as sack races, capture the flags, and more. Additionally, they had the chance to visit and learn about the background and entrepreneurial journey of social enterprises like Sapa O’Chau and KOTO Van Mieu.

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to our partners: Victoria Junior College, Lao Cai High School For The Gifted, Hau Thao Primary and Secondary School for Ethnic Minorities, the Department of Education and Training of Sapa Town, the Department of Education and Training of Lao Cai Province, the Department of Foreign Affairs of Lao Cai Province, and other other ministries, departments, and associations. A special thanks goes to the students, volunteers, La Beauté Sa Pa homestay, and the students who contributed to the success of these meaningful projects.

Today, let’s follow the journey of the students from ITE (Institute of Technical Education) as they participate in the International Service-Learning project in Trà Vinh province last December with EVG

Through this project, the ITE students not only taught English lessons and engaged in cultural exchange with the children at Hoa Tan B Primary School (Trà Vinh), but also had the chance to experience incredibly valuable activities: visiting a handicraft village and the macapuno processing enterprise named Vicosap, as well as learning about the lives of the local people e.g.

Additionally, the program organized a tour to historical and cultural sites in Ho Chi Minh City, including the War Remnants Museum, the Central Post Office, and Ben Thanh Market.

Thank you to Thái Tiểu Nhi – a member of EVG and also a volunteer for the ISL 2421 project – for sharing your fascinating journey with us