Sustainability School in Vietnam

In June, two of the scholarship students attended the Sustainability Field School in Hoi An, for a month. Sao Ry and Savoeng traveled to Vietnam to be part of the course, which is coordinated by Action for the City, and funded by Irish Aid. The overall aim of the project is to cultivate community involvement, particularly amongst university students, preparing them for careers that foster grassroots actions in sustainable development.
Sao Ry and Savoeng joined a number of Vietnamese students to collectively learn about the four main subject areas addressed during the course; public space, sustainable tourism, environmental education and organic agriculture.
The two scholarship students both really enjoyed the trip, and noted the growth in confidence they had experienced as a result. The trip encouraged everyone involved to embrace new experiences and situations, and challenged the students to think differently; it encouraged them to utilize, and further advance skills that they have developed in the Learning Center, such as leadership and capacity building.
Sao Ry is particularly grateful for the friends she made, with whom she has since been keeping in contact via Skype, and encourages other students to pursue such opportunities in the future. Savoeng found certain aspects of the trip challenging, such as the change of food, and in weather. However, he realized that this was all part of the experience when visiting new countries and cultures, and he found the people of Hoi An to be very welcoming, which he credits for helping him to adjust to Vietnamese life.
Sao Ry and Savoeng had a fantastic time, and we would like to extend a massive thank you to Irish Aid who enabled them to attend by funding both their places and travel.
Watch the video below to hear more from Sao Ry and Savoeng about the trip and their experiences.