Viet Nam's 'We Are ABLE' initiative expands STEAM education for marginalized youth

A new phase of the 'We Are ABLE' initiative has launched in Viet Nam to boost STEAM education for disadvantaged girls and ethnic minority students. The programme, backed by UNESCO, the Ministry of Education and Training, and CJ Group, aims to prepare young learners for leadership roles in an innovation-driven economy. The third phase, titled We Are ABLE for a Seamless Future, will run from 2026 to 2029. The initiative builds on the success of its second phase, which ran from 2023 to 2025. During that period, the project reached over 8,000 students and trained more than 650 teachers. Vũ Minh Đức, Director General of the Department of Teachers and Educational Administrators, noted the progress in creating safe, inclusive classrooms and improving teaching skills.

This latest phase will focus on three key areas: enhancing teacher training, expanding hands-on learning, and fostering partnerships between schools, businesses, and women in science and technology. It plans to directly support at least 6,000 students—including 3,000 girls—and strengthen the skills of over 100 educators and counsellors. At the launch event on Tuesday, Heekyung Jo Min, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at CJ Group, reaffirmed the company's commitment to the partnership. Jonathan Wallace Baker, UNESCO Representative, also stressed that advancing gender equality in education remains a top priority for the organisation.

The We Are ABLE for a Seamless Future project seeks to empower girls and ethnic minority students through improved STEAM education. By 2029, the initiative aims to create more opportunities for young learners to take on leadership roles in technology and innovation. The collaboration between UNESCO, Viet Nam's education ministry, and CJ Group will continue driving these efforts forward.