Bridging Gaps, Building Futures: The Dream School's Mission in Vietnam

Hello! My name is Minh, and I am currently an 11th grader, from British International School, Ho Chi Minh City. From an early age, I have had a deep passion for business, with a particular interest in finance and human resources. I am strongly committed to promoting educational equity, striving to ensure that all students have access to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed. Additionally, I love engaging with my surrounding community and cherishing the interactions and connections that come from being actively involved.

As a driven student and aspiring financier, I excel in blending community service with financial acumen, securing major funding for educational projects, and applying real-world financial strategies through prestigious internships and research. From an early age, I developed resilience, overcoming a speech impediment in a family steeped in entrepreneurship. Inspired by my father’s entrepreneurial spirit, I gained a keen business acumen. My early engagement with the stock market even yielded a successful $2000 return. My core values—punctuality, integrity, and the importance of friendships—guide both my personal and professional life.

Existing (Localized) Problem 

In Vietnam's Central Highland and its outskirts, educational disparity starkly manifests through inadequate access to books, modern technology, and quality facilities. Such limitations not only curtail learning opportunities but also perpetuate the digital divide. The Dream School is committed to bridging these gaps, aiming to inspire transformative change and equal educational opportunities for all.

Facts and Figures 

Tuition is free for primary education in Vietnam; yet, secondary education is not free. Families not only need to cope with the ever-increasing tuition rate but with the bizarre amount of fees that each school charges. This overburdened many families and is a significant factor why there is a low retention rate for Secondary Education in Vietnam, especially in rural areas (Hoang, 2013).

By age 19, only a fifth of students from the poorest 20 percent remains in school, compared with 80 percent of those in the wealthiest 20 percent.  Inequities persist across ethnicities and geographies, with ethnic minorities often falling behind in educational attainment. Meanwhile, enrollment in secondary school in rural areas is nearly 15 percentage points lower than in urban areas (76 percent vs. 90 percent) (Yang & Tran, 2022).

The Dream School’s Strategy

Our strategy is encapsulated in our ASCEND framework, which stands for Action, Scaling, Create, Educate, Notice, and Direct. We initiate programs that improve educational environments and provide essential resources. We aim to scale our reach, extending support to more children in need across wider regions. By creating innovative educational programs, we forge new learning opportunities that also strengthen community bonds. We educate the community about the importance of schooling and the risks of early labor and marriage. We closely monitor the needs and progress of the children we support, ensuring our programs are responsive and effective. Lastly, we provide direct guidance and resources to help students along their educational paths and into their careers.

The Dream School offers a comprehensive solution for enhancing educational opportunities for children. Our project supplies essential books and reference materials tailored to the specific needs of the students, ensuring that every child has access to quality learning resources. Additionally, The Dream School provides infrastructure support, which varies depending on the individual requirements of each school, to create an optimal learning environment. This approach not only equips students with the necessary academic tools but also fosters a conducive atmosphere for effective education.

Our Mission Statement

In Vietnam, striving for equal education for all involves bridging gaps and inspiring change. By providing more books and educational materials, we aim to expand children's horizons and motivate individuals to pursue education despite socioeconomic challenges.

Accomplishments for The Dream School

The Dream School has made significant strides in its mission. We have provided over 60kg of books to local schools and equipped schools with essential technology like desktop computers. Nutritional support through the distribution of milk has also been a part of our holistic approach to student well-being. Financially, we have raised over $6,200, sponsoring tuition and health insurance for over 100 students.

For 2024, we aim to expand our reach to include 2-3 additional schools and begin forming international partnerships to extend our impact globally. This will involve collaborative efforts with other projects and leveraging international resources. 

Our project’s plan: Three Phrases

Phase 1: Foundation and Local Impact (2023-2025)

• Initiated "The Dream School" to distribute educational materials to underprivileged children.

• Provided essential learning resources, including books, a desktop, and nutritional supplies to local schools.

• Funded over 100 students’ tuition and health insurance with over $6,200 raised.

Phase 2: Expansion and Sustainability (2025-2029)

• Integrated project activities within a university setting to enhance outreach.

• Formed partnerships for internships and resource development.

• Built a network of 20 key stakeholders to support and sustain the project.

Phase 3: Global Outreach and Scaling (2030)

• Expanded "The Dream School" into global markets through strategic city placements.

• Leveraged professional networks to establish global partnerships.

• Elevated the project to a globally recognized educational initiative.

SDGs: Quality Education

Our project & our plans also directly support the SDGs focused on Quality Education and Reduced Inequalities. We strive to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities. Additionally, our efforts contribute to making communities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.

At The Dream School, we believe in the power of education to transform lives. By providing essential resources and fostering an environment of support and growth, we are not just educating children; we are empowering a generation. Join us as we ascend towards a future where every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed.

Quotes

• “Education is the investment our generation makes in the future” — Mitt Romney