STEAM FOR GIRLS: a journey of passion and creativity

The competition is being organised by the Vietnam National Institute of Educational Sciences (VNIES), a unit under the Ministry of Education and Training, in collaboration with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and Victoria School. The aim is to promote the participation of female students in the STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) fields.

STEAM education for girls aims to provide essential knowledge and skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through an integrated approach with the arts. Through STEAM education activities, female students develop the confidence to succeed in fields traditionally dominated by men. In the context of the rapid development of science and technology, developing green skills and critical thinking, which are essential 21st-century skills, equips girls with the knowledge, courage, and confidence to achieve their academic, career, and personal goals.

The "STEAM FOR GIRLS 2024" competition attracted nearly 200 female students in the preliminary round, with 66 selected for the final. The students, aged 13 to 15, come from 18 provinces and cities across Vietnam, as well as representatives from Laos, Thailand, and Malaysia. The competition provides a creative platform for STEAM and an opportunity for students to learn, experience, and interact with peers from various regions within Vietnam and internationally.

Promoting gender equality through STEAM education

One of the competition's key messages is promoting gender equality in education, joining hands with UNICEF towards the goal of "leaving no child behind". While progress has been made in enabling women and girls to participate in science and technology, barriers still exist that limit girls' opportunities to pursue their passions.

The Vietnam National Institute of Educational Sciences and UNICEF Vietnam, with their respective roles and missions, are committed to designing and organising meaningful science and technology activities for Vietnamese students.

Prof. Le Anh Vinh, director of the Vietnam National Institute of Educational Sciences and head of the organising committee, stated, "We always strive to create activities, forums, and competitions focused on scientific research, promoting innovation and creativity, and equipping female students with knowledge and skills. STEAM FOR GIRLS is one such initiative. Students will have the opportunity to maximise their potential without being limited by gender stereotypes in STEAM fields, areas that may have previously been predominantly pursued by male students."

It is certain that after the experiences gained from this competition, female students will have the confidence that they can become leading scientists, engineers, and researchers in the future, contributing to the development of society, Vinh added.

STEAM FOR GIRLS 2024 will be held at Victoria School - South Saigon.

STEAM: an educational foundation for the future

In the final round, students will work in groups to research, explore, and implement projects related to STEM skills, green skills, renewable energy, and climate change. As climate change becomes an increasingly urgent issue, equipping the younger generation with knowledge about clean energy, climate change adaptation, and green skills is more crucial than ever.

Through teamwork and project-based learning, students will apply their comprehensive knowledge and skills while fostering creative thinking and systematically solving real-world problems. The competition also contributes to inspiring female students to aspire to become future leaders in building a sustainable nation.

A creative and experiential playground

STEAM FOR GIRLS 2024 will feature various engaging learning activities and practical experiences, such as visiting the Vietjet Aviation Academy and Galaxy Innovation Hub to learn about the application of technology and engineering in the aviation industry and research and innovation. Participants will also have the opportunity to embark on a city tour to further understand the dynamism and creativity of Ho Chi Minh City.

"STEAM FOR GIRLS 2024" is not just a competition but a forum and playground to connect students nationwide and internationally, enabling them to access the STEAM education model, acquire new knowledge and skills, including problem-solving and creative thinking, and fostering a collaborative learning environment and experiences.

Following the STEAM FOR GIRLS competition, an educational forum on renewable energy and climate change will be held on October 4, with the participation of ministries, agencies, and experts to provide students and teachers with a deeper insights into climate change issues and the role of renewable energy.

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