The Words on Wheels (WoW) mobile library program, organized by Singapore International Foundation (SIF) in partnership with Keppel Ltd. and General Sciences Library of Ho Chi Minh City (GSL), has commenced its final journey in HCMC.
When completed, the program will have successfully reached almost 38,000 students in 32 schools across Vietnam, since its launch in 2011.
The WoW mobile library was initiated by Keppel and SIF in 2011 to help raise literacy levels among students in Hanoi and HCMC by providing them with convenient access to reading and audio-visual materials, as well as the internet.
Ceremonies held last Thursday at Phu Huu Secondary School and Tung Thien Vuong Secondary School respectively were attended by Nguyen Van Qui, deputy head of the Department of Education and Training of Thu Duc city; Nguyen Quoc Hung, deputy head of the Department of Education and Training of District 8; Joseph Low, president, Real Estate (Vietnam), Keppel Ltd.; Jaryll Chan, executive director, Programmes Division, SIF; and Vinh Quoc Bao, deputy director, GSL.
As part of WoW’s final chapter, 21 computers and approximately 1,300 books, including science reference and English books, will be provided to seven schools in Thu Duc city and District 8, to benefit nearly 7,500 students.
Joseph Low from Keppel Ltd. said: "As one of Vietnam’s pioneers and largest foreign real estate investors, Keppel is pleased to partner with SIF and GSL to positively impact the lives of the local communities through the WoW mobile library program, which Keppel helped to establish about 13 years ago together with the SIF.
"We are very proud to have contributed to a successful initiative that has helped to nurture a love for reading and learning among young people. Moving forward, we will continue to explore other areas in line with Vietnam’s evolving needs and where Keppel can create a lasting impact and value for the community."
Jaryll Chan commented: "The SIF believes in bringing communities together to collaborate and effect positive social change. The WoW Ho Chi Minh City exemplified this commitment as Singaporeans and Vietnamese joined hands to promote education and intercultural understanding among children. We look forward to deepening Singapore’s friendship with Vietnam further, after 30 successful years of collaboration through the SIF."
Vinh Quoc Bao said: "WoW is a typical project of SIF in collaboration with GSL. This project aims to promote learning within the community, providing basic English and information technology skills, while also improving opportunities through educational materials, technology resources, and learning support equipment.
"It focuses on developing a reading habit and self-learning among students and local communities to encourage lifelong learning and develop their ability to confidently communicate and connect with the world."
On the occasion, Keppel also extended its 'R.I.S.E. to the Challenge' community outreach initiative to both Phu Huu and Tung Thien Vuong secondary schools, by engaging their students in activities such as painting workshops and exploring the consequences of climate change to raise awareness of rising sea levels and the need for climate action.
* Keppel Ltd. (SGX:BN4) is a global asset manager and operator with strong expertise in sustainability-related solutions spanning the areas of infrastructure, real estate and connectivity. Headquartered in Singapore, Keppel operates in more than 20 countries worldwide, providing critical infrastructure and services for renewables, clean energy, decarbonization, sustainable urban renewal and digital connectivity. Keppel creates value for investors and stakeholders through its quality investment platforms and diverse asset portfolios, including private funds and listed real estate and business trusts.
* The Singapore International Foundation builds enduring relationships between Singaporeans and world communities and harness these friendships to enrich lives and effect positive change. Its work is anchored in the belief that cross-cultural interactions provide insights that strengthen understanding. These exchanges inspire action and enable collaborations for good. The SIF's programs bring people together to share ideas, skills and experiences in areas such as healthcare, education, arts and culture, as well as livelihood and business. Find out more at www.sif.org.sg
* General Sciences Library (GSL) of HCMC, the central library of southern Vietnam’s public libraries network is connected to 21 public libraries in various districts and Thu Duc city. It has over 80 staff and is the biggest public library in Vietnam and supports other libraries in southern Vietnam, attracting over 900,000 users. 80% of its users are college and university students, the rest being educators, researchers and businessmen.
GSL’s mission is to develop a culture of public reading and be a core resource centre for information, culture, recreation and education for HCMC residents. GSL is supported by the Department of Culture and Sport of Ho Chi Minh City, and funded by the local government. It has experience working with NGOs, and conducting community activities for children and the blind.