Steam for girls: A journey of passionate and creative girls

The "Steam for girls 2024" competition will officially commence on the morning of September 30, 2024, at Victoria School - Saigon South, and will run until October 4, 2024.

The competition is organized 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 System.

The aim is to promote the participation of female students in Steam (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) fields and to advance Steam education for girls in schools.

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 that they can 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 two hundred female students in the preliminary round, with 66 selected for the final round. 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 organizing meaningful science and technology activities for Vietnamese students.

The Victoria School System is co-hosting the Steam for girls competition with the desire to inspire female students, encouraging them to confidently pursue their dreams and opening doors to new fields.

Prof. Le Anh Vinh, Director of the Vietnam National Institute of Educational Sciences and Head of the Organizing 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 maximize 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.

Steam: An educational foundation for the future

In the final round, students will work in groups to research, explore, and implement projects related to Steam skills, green skills, renewable energy, and climate change. As climate change becomes an increasingly urgent issue globally and in Vietnam, 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 Vietjet Aviation Academy and Galaxy Innovation Hub to learn about the application of technology and engineering in the aviation industry and research and innovation activities; exploring the facilities and green spaces of Victoria School System and participating in hands-on learning experiences.

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 that serve as a foundation for creating sustainable values and confidently stepping into the future.

Following the Steam for girls competition, an educational forum on Renewable Energy and Climate Change will be held on October 4, 2024, with the participation of ministries, agencies, and numerous experts to provide students and teachers with deeper insights into climate change issues and the role of renewable energy in the future.