Opening of the Green STEAM competition for female students

September 30th, the final round of STEAM For Girls - Green STEAM for female students 2024 opens - Photo: NGOC PHUONG

The event was organized by the Vietnam Institute of Educational Sciences (an agency under the Ministry of Education and Training), in collaboration with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the Victoria School Education System, to encourage girls aged 13 to 15 to participate in the fields of science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM).

The contest attracted nearly 200 female students from 18 provinces and cities across the country to participate in the preliminary round, of which 69 were selected for the final round, including students from Laos, Thailand, Malaysia, etc.

Green STEAM is one of the top priorities

Ms. Le Anh Lan - in charge of the education program of UNICEF Vietnam - emphasized that STEAM education, especially Green STEAM, is one of UNICEF's top priorities, aiming to ensure that all Vietnamese children and adolescents have access to learning and develop skills to prepare for the future.

"Over the years, Vietnam has achieved good results in investing in supporting boys and girls. Preparing for the 4.0 revolution, raising awareness about the impact of digital transformation, urbanization and climate change on the socio-economy has been focused on right from kindergarten.

We all need green skills for a successful green transition, which is crucial to tackling the global climate crisis and achieving sustainable development goals. Well-equipped green skills will enable young people to successfully navigate the ever-changing world and seize opportunities,” said Ms. Lan.

Ms. Lan believes that every young person has the same opportunity to access STEAM education in a safe and responsible manner, helping them learn practical knowledge and skills, and entrepreneurial skills are factors that ensure fairness in the development of social human resources.

Ms. Le Anh Lan - UNICEF Vietnam education expert - emphasized that STEAM education is one of the top priorities - Photo: NGOC PHUONG

Remove barriers to conquer passion

Professor Dr. Le Anh Vinh - Director of the Vietnam Institute of Educational Sciences, head of the contest's organizing committee - said: "There are many famous female scientists in the world such as scientist Marie Curie, programmer Ada Lovelace, geneticist Barbara McClintock, mathematician Katherine Johnson...

It is a testament to the power of will, passion, inspiration, capacity, and perseverance of women. There is no field beyond the reach of women, there is no limit to what women can achieve. Women's participation contributes to the sustainable development and common prosperity of society, towards a bright future."

MSc. Chirstopher Bradley - Principal of Victoria School - South Saigon - shared: "The importance of technology in education is gradually developing and STEAM is a way to combine technology with traditional subjects. We hope that students will learn valuable applications that inspire learning and self-development".

Tran Thi Ly Na (student of Tran Hung Dao Primary and Secondary School, Kon Tum province) shared: "Through the school, I learned about and registered to participate in the Green STEAM competition for female students. I feel very excited to experience and learn many new things. I plan to choose the topic of climate change, after the competition I will definitely be more confident."

Prof. Dr. Le Anh Vinh - Director of the Vietnam Institute of Educational Sciences - sent a message to female students to be bolder and more confident - Photo: NGOC PHUONG

MSc. Chirstopher Bradley - Principal of Victoria School - South Saigon - speaks at the opening ceremony - Photo: NGOC PHUONG

Delegates and teachers take souvenir photos at the opening ceremony of the final round - Photo: NGOC PHUONG

Candidates visit Victoria School - South Saigon - Photo: NGOC PHUONG

STEAM For Girls contestants excited on the first day of the competition.

The 69 contestants will be divided into 23 teams, each team will be selected from three members from different localities. The teams will be guided by experts from the Vietnam Institute of Educational Sciences, each team will choose a topic such as: STEAM skills and green skills for girls; Renewable energy; Adaptation to climate change.

In addition, students will also experience practical learning and explore the "city tour" to learn more about the dynamism and creativity of Ho Chi Minh City. In particular, they will attend an educational forum on renewable energy and climate change. This is an important first step in encouraging female students to pursue STEAM, while contributing to promoting gender equality in education and sustainable development.

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/khai-mac-cuoc-thi-steam-xanh-danh-cho-nu-sinh-2024093016192984.htm