Ma Da is a small and picturesque commune, about 75 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City, the largest city in Vietnam. My first visit in 2015 left me very surprised as I saw people living with no electricity, even though they lived next to a hydropower dam. Many inhabitants live below the poverty line with low literacy rates. Besides challenges due to poor infrastructure, the biggest obstacle to their development is their mindset.
The thought of education as unnecessary is common. People believe that knowing how to read and write is enough, so most inhabitants only graduate from primary school, and some don’t even reach that level. Most youths lose motivation to finish their compulsory education since they can get factory jobs without any degree.
I believe that locals play a vital role in sustainable development. Education is a key component that can affect their thoughts and actions. For example, Ma Da is facing serious problems with contaminated fresh and groundwater systems because of agricultural activities, and if farmers do not find any right reasons to limit pesticide usage, they will continue to harm the ecosystem. Also, kids in Ma Da, like their parents, choose whether to be farmers, fishermen, or factory labor. But if they can go to school and learn English and other skills, they can choose from other careers, like teaching, engineering, medicine, and more.
I am currently working for Scivi Travel, a travel agency that organizes educational tours and is involved in constructing the Ma Da Learning Hub. This education-focused venue is scheduled to open in 2022 and will promote reading habits, expand knowledge, and increase career possibilities for local youths. There will be outdoor playgrounds and gardens where STEM*7 can be applied, with an indoor library and learning spaces. Plus, volunteers will offer free workshops about agriculture, careers, and life skills. Here, local kids receive new knowledge and motivation, while volunteers can learn many lessons about curiosity, kindness, and politeness. They learn from each other, and that keeps people coming in to help the Ma Da community.
I believe that knowledge will open the door of opportunities to kids in Ma Da and around the world. I dream of a knowledgeable generation that cares for local and global issues, and we work together to ease poverty, pollution, and climate change.