A library of books is improving English language skills for Vietnamese children, thanks to the efforts of Social Work graduate Thien Nguyen.

While Vietnamese-born Thien Nguyen (MSW ’18) was studying a Master of Social Work at Flinders University she had an idea to improve the English language skills of children back home by creating a library of children’s books written in English.

Now back in Vietnam, Thien has set up Horizone Lib (Horizon Library) in her home, where her idea has now grown to see more than 300 books donated to the library. The small library has become a welcoming space for children to read and borrow books. To further support the development of English language skills, Thien also shares short videos of children reading the books in the library.

Local parents have expressed their gratitude to Thien for the work she is doing to further their child’s educational experiences saying, “What a meaningful project for not only children but also adults as we can share and learn together! Hopefully, we can gradually build a reading habit, especially for our beloved children given the importance of learning English in modern society has been significantly emphasized and needed.”

In addition to her library project, Thien is also working on the Women in Leadership Journey project, a 10-month course which aims to reduce gender inequality by encouraging female leaders in Vietnam to use their position to support other female leaders and colleagues.

An Australia Awards scholar, Thien also won the Community Engagement category of the Study Adelaide international Student Awards in 2018.

Thien welcomes donations of new or second-hand children’s books for the Horizon Library – if you would like to contribute please send English language books to 5 Dang Thai Than Street, Ngu Hanh Son Distric, Da Nang, Vietnam.

 

Learn more about studying Social Work at Flinders