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On the journey to join UNESCO global network of learning cities (Part 3): Models worth replicating

22/01/2025

With nearly a decade of deep integration into local communities and serving as a bridge between Vietnam and the world, the House of Wisdom and Compassion Books initiatives have proven to be pioneering models. These initiatives align with UNESCO's priorities and contribute significantly to building a truly global learning city.
ON THE JOURNEY TO JOIN UNESCO GLOBAL NETWORK OF LEARNING CITIES

With nearly a decade of deep integration into local communities and serving as a bridge between Vietnam and the world, the House of Wisdom and Compassion Books initiatives have proven to be pioneering models. These initiatives align with UNESCO's priorities and contribute significantly to building a truly global learning city.

ON THE JOURNEY TO JOIN UNESCO GLOBAL NETWORK OF LEARNING CITIES

According to the Steering Committee of Son La's Global Learning City initiative, within just 10 months of officially joining the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities, the city has established nearly 130 Houses of Wisdom and Compassion libraries. These efforts have provided close to 2 million quality books, reaching every village and hamlet. They have created vibrant spaces for cultural, artistic, athletic, and educational activities that benefit all residents.

Open daily from 8 AM to 8 PM, the Houses of Wisdom attract a diverse audience, from preschool children to elderly citizens in their 60s and 70s. These centers help raise educational standards, foster unity among the city’s ethnic communities, preserve traditional values, and enrich the spiritual lives of its residents.

ON THE JOURNEY TO JOIN UNESCO GLOBAL NETWORK OF LEARNING CITIES
A Thai language class at a House of Wisdom in Son La city.

Ms. Tong Thi Hoa, a 65-year-old student in a Thai language class, shared:"I’m the oldest in the class. Before, I never had the chance to learn the Thai language. Now, with the support of the government and the city, and thanks to the efforts of Thai culture enthusiasts, I’ve joined this class. I’m determined to learn Thai writing, singing, and storytelling so I can pass this knowledge on to my children and grandchildren".

The rapid development and diverse activities of the Houses of Wisdom and Compassion Books have become unique highlights in Son La's efforts, less than a year after joining the global network.

Thanks to these remarkable achievements, Son La has represented Vietnam's global learning cities at key events. In October 2024, the Secretary of Son La’s Party Committee presented the House of Wisdom and Compassion Books models at the ASEAN+3 Learning Cities Conference in Bangkok, Thailand. In December 2024, the Chairman of Son La City People's Committee shared their experiences in promoting community education through these initiatives at the 6th UNESCO international conference on learning cities in Jubail, Saudi Arabia. The event, the largest of its kind, brought together 1,200 delegates from all continents and was live-streamed globally.

ON THE JOURNEY TO JOIN UNESCO GLOBAL NETWORK OF LEARNING CITIES
Sơn La City representatives presenting the House of Wisdom and Compassion Books models at UNESCO’s 6th international conference on learning cities.

During his opening remarks at the conference’s parallel discussion session, Mr. Do Van Tru, Chairman of Son La City People’s Committee, emphasized: "As a mountainous city with relatively limited financial and economic resources compared to more developed areas, Son La has mobilized collective efforts from all sectors to fulfill its commitments to UNESCO. The robust growth of the House of Wisdom and Compassion Books models exemplifies the city’s determination and the collaborative spirit of its government and people in promoting lifelong learning for all, ensuring no one is left behind".

ON THE JOURNEY TO JOIN UNESCO GLOBAL NETWORK OF LEARNING CITIES

One of the core principles in UNESCO’s definition of a global learning city is the promotion of lifelong learning for everyone while strengthening social cohesion through community engagement. Rooted deeply in local communities for nearly a decade, the House of Wisdom and Compassion Books initiatives embody these fundamental values.

Mr. Nguyen Anh Tuan, founder of the House of Wisdom and co-founder of Compassion Books, explained: "Compassion Books focuses on establishing a network of bookcases and libraries to create a reading ecosystem for schools and communities, thereby promoting a culture of reading, fostering wisdom, and nurturing compassion. Meanwhile, the House of Wisdom aims to develop free lifelong learning communities where everyone can be both a teacher and a student, learning out of a passion for knowledge and a desire to apply it in real life. This aligns with the United Nations sustainable development goal 4 (SDG 4) on quality education and UNESCO’s global advocacy for lifelong learning".

The Compassion Books program has organized hundreds of book talks, storytelling sessions, and reading competitions to inspire imagination and encourage children to explore the world through books. Millions of donated books have amplified the message of the value of reading, equipping readers with essential knowledge, skills, and attitudes to adapt and thrive in an ever-changing world. Compassion Books initiative envisions fostering a responsible, confident, and intellectually rich community capable of collaborating with international partners to build a peaceful and sustainable future.

NNTT Thanh Tiên giao lưu cùng kỷ lục gia siêu trí nhớ học thuật thế giới Dương Anh Vũ ngày 16/12/2018Khu trưng bày nông cụ, kỷ vật chiến tranh trong Bảo tàng Mini tại NNTT xã Cẩm Lạc – Cẩm Xuyên – Hà TĩnhBan điều hành NNTT huyện Hương Sơn – Hà Tĩnh tổ chức chung kết Hội thi “Tìm hiểu về cuộc đời, sự nghiệp của Đại Danh y Hải Thượng Lãn Ông Lê Hữu Trác ngày 25/10/2024.

In parallel, the House of Wisdom has conducted thousands of free in-person and online classes in community centers, village houses, churches, schools and other local spaces. These classes cater to diverse needs, from life skills such as farming, cooking, swimming, and self-defense to academic subjects like English and mathematics. Advanced topics like macroeconomics, stock investment, and becoming global citizens are also offered.

The younger generation and international visitors can also explore mini-museums within the Houses of Wisdom, which preserve cultural artifacts and traditional tools. These spaces provide profound insights into local history and heritage.

Educational expert Tong Lien Anh praised the model, calling it an extension of formal education systems. She noted: "This initiative supplements learners with knowledge and skills that traditional education has yet to address. At these centers, there are no exams, report cards, or rankings, removing pressure and allowing individuals to acquire knowledge in their own way".

ON THE JOURNEY TO JOIN UNESCO GLOBAL NETWORK OF LEARNING CITIES

One of the most significant benefits of joining the Global Network of Learning Cities, as highlighted by UNESCO, is access to high-quality international expertise to support local development. This strategic advantage has been a cornerstone of the House of Wisdom model for nearly a decade.

Professor Shanon Gramse, founding chair of the Creative writing Department at the University of Alaska Anchorage, remarked: "The thousands of books and articles I’ve read about Vietnam over decades could not compare to the understanding I gained during a few weeks living and working at the Houses of Wisdom in Nghe An and Ha Tinh".

He added: "In my life, there are two moments of pure happiness I’ll always remember: the birth of my daughter, Scout, and my time at the Houses of Wisdom. Why aren’t we doing something similar in Alaska?".

Các em học sinh xin chữ ký giáo sư Shannon  Gramse sau chương trình giao lưu văn hóa và giáo dục tại Nghệ An tháng 12/2022.NNTT thôn Đông Biên-Xã Xuân Hải-Huyện Nghi Xuân-Hà Tĩnh giao lưu văn hóa giáo dục cùng gia đình giáo sư Shannon Gramse - Sarah Kirk từ Đại học Alaska  Anchorage ngày 01/01/2023.

The House of Wisdom and Compassion Books initiatives demonstrate how strategic community-driven models can elevate Vietnam’s learning cities on the global stage while fostering meaningful cultural and educational experiences. These initiatives not only enrich local communities but also inspire global partnerships for a brighter, more sustainable future.

ON THE JOURNEY TO JOIN UNESCO GLOBAL NETWORK OF LEARNING CITIES
Spanish volunteer students lived and taught at the Houses of Wisdom in Nghe An and Ha Tinh throughout July 2019.

The initiative to invite international scholars, educators, and volunteer experts to live and work at the Houses of Wisdom was launched in August 2019. The inaugural group of volunteers, comprising six female students from Spain, spent a month living, working, exploring, teaching, and learning in Hamlet 7, Con Tan, Thanh Tien Commune, Thanh Chuong District, Nghe An Province.

By day, they taught English and a variety of other subjects to local students and those from neighboring areas, while also organizing summer activities, outdoor excursions, and assisting with agricultural tasks. In the evenings, the entire community gathered at the House of Wisdom, sharing cups of green tea. The locals recounted their rich history and traditions, while the volunteers introduced them to vibrant Spanish dances.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Van Anh, program advisor for the House of Wisdom in Penang, Malaysia, remarked: "The House of Wisdom is always alive with games, songs, lessons, and home-cooked meals that capture the essence of the local culture. By inviting international guests to live and work here, the network offers them an authentic and immersive experience of Vietnamese culture. Through these interactions, foreign volunteers not only gain a deeper appreciation of community bonds, solidarity and Vietnamese hospitality but also become cultural ambassadors, helping to promote the country's image to the world".

ON THE JOURNEY TO JOIN UNESCO GLOBAL NETWORK OF LEARNING CITIES

Every Lunar New Year, specialist Ian Gardiner travels to Vietnam, choosing to stay with local families instead of hotels to immerse himself in the country’s Tet traditions. His deep affection for the House of Wisdom is reflected in his unwavering commitment. He proudly wears the program’s logo on his left chest at every significant event, engraves it on pens gifted to students, and displays it prominently in his New York City apartment. Over the past three years, he has never missed a single online teaching session, regardless of class size or holiday schedules.

NNTT Thanh Tiên giao lưu văn hóa và giáo dục cùng giảng viên tình nguyện Ian Gardiner đến từ New York-Mỹ ngày 20/02/2023.Chuyên gia Ian Gardiner – Chủ nhiệm NNTT New York – Hoa Kỳ, giao lưu văn hóa giáo dục cùng NNTT Thúy Nga – Tân Kỳ - Nghệ An năm 2024

Professor Shannon Gramse makes regular visits to Vietnam during the summer and Tet holidays. On several occasions, he has stayed for up to three months, traveling from the North to the South to listen to the stories of people from all walks of life. He holds great admiration for President Ho Chi Minh, frequently citing his words during academic exchanges at universities. During visits to martyrs' cemeteries, temples, shrines, and family worship houses, he always lights incense and bows with deep reverence.

Professor Gramse has written about the House of Wisdom in Alaska Business Magazine, a leading publication in his home state. He takes great pride in sharing the program’s impact with local leaders, residents, colleagues, and thousands of students at the University of Alaska Anchorage.

His passion for Vietnam is evident in his extensive discussions on KRUA, an award-winning educational radio station in Alaska. Thanks to his efforts, the name Vietnam resonates throughout Anchorage, one of the northernmost regions of the United States, reaching audiences in various ways and strengthening the cultural ties between the two nations.

ON THE JOURNEY TO JOIN UNESCO GLOBAL NETWORK OF LEARNING CITIES
Members of the House of Wisdom executive board and Professor Shannon Gramse engaged in a cultural and educational exchange with Ho Chi Minh City University of Education on April 26, 2024.

These stories represent just a fraction of the countless meaningful interactions taking place daily at the Houses of Wisdom across Vietnam. While curiosity or serendipity may have initially drawn international visitors to Vietnam, it is their deep-rooted affection for the country that keeps them returning and committing to long-term engagement.

The House of Wisdom initiative has successfully nurtured hundreds of cultural and educational ambassadors for Vietnam - outstanding individuals from diverse backgrounds across the globe. They bring their intellect and passion to support Vietnam’s development while carrying their newfound understanding and love for the country back to their homelands. Their contributions, made voluntarily and organically, ensure a sustainable and enduring impact.

This unique strength positions the House of Wisdom as a model that truly embodies the essence of “global learning” within UNESCO’s Global Network of Learning Cities.

ON THE JOURNEY TO JOIN UNESCO GLOBAL NETWORK OF LEARNING CITIES

To date, Vietnam has successfully integrated five cities into the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities. According to education expert Tong Lien Anh, achieving sustainable and deep international integration is a two-way process in which Vietnam must contribute its unique national values to the global community. Therefore, Vietnam’s learning cities should not only maximize the benefits of their participation in this network but also proactively enhance the country’s international standing. The House of Wisdom and Compassion Books are at the forefront of realizing this vision by serving as dynamic channels for sharing Vietnam’s knowledge and culture with the world while nurturing a generation of truly global Vietnamese citizens.

In October 2023, when the House of Wisdom and Compassion Books were honoured at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., nearly 100 representatives from the world’s most prestigious reading promotion organizations, along with millions following the event through media channels, heard and remembered the name Vietnam. Through this prestigious award, Vietnam introduced an innovative and highly effective lifelong learning model - one that operates at zero cost but delivers immeasurable social impact.

Đại diện NNTT và TSNA nhận giải thưởng Xóa mù chữ-lan tỏa tri thức do Thư viện Quốc hội Hoa Kỳ trao tặng ngày 18-10-2023 tại thủ đô Washington D.C.Đại diện NNTT và TSNA nhận giải thưởng Xóa mù chữ-lan tỏa tri thức do Thư viện Quốc hội Hoa Kỳ trao tặng ngày 18-10-2023 tại thủ đô Washington D.C.

In October and December 2024, the House of Wisdom and Compassion Books were presented in UNESCO’s largest regional and global conferences on learning cities, sharing Vietnam’s invaluable practical experiences with cities worldwide.

Both initiatives are actively advancing Vietnam’s influence through flexible, creative, and effective bilateral and multilateral cooperation networks. Beyond donating books to schools in Laos, their activities have extended to meaningful initiatives in the United States. Representatives from the House of Wisdom and Compassion Books have engaged with universities, educational institutions, and community organizations, including meetings with Mr. Sean Parnell, President of the University of Alaska Anchorage (former Governor of Alaska), and interactions with students, seniors, and immigrants in community classes. These engagements not only promote Vietnam’s cultural identity but also lay the foundation for long-term partnerships between the two nations.

The presence of the House of Wisdom and Compassion Books at international events has fostered strong connections between these programs and Vietnam’s diplomatic missions abroad. Few community-driven initiatives have received such extensive attention, with hundreds of articles in English and Vietnamese appearing on the official information portals of ministries and sectors.

Minister Counselor of the Embassy of Vietnam to the United States Nguyen Thuy Hong, emphasized: "The Embassy of Vietnam in the United States will actively and proactively connect the House of Wisdom and Compassion Books with reading promotion organizations in both the U.S. and Vietnam. This effort will not only enhance cultural and educational exchanges but also contribute meaningfully to the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Vietnam and the United States".

NNTT và TSNA trao tặng sách, mũ chống tia cực tím và học bổng cho học sinh và giáo viên tại Trường Tiểu học Chansavang, ngoại ô thủ đô Viên Chăn -Lào 21/11/2024Ông Sean Parnell (cựu thống đốc bang Alaska) và hiện là Hiệu trưởng đương nhiệm Đại học Alaska Anchorage(UAA) cùng lãnh đạo trường tiếp đón và trò chuyện cùng đoàn công tác của NNTT, TSNA ngày 31/10/2023Đại diện NNTT và TSNA giao lưu cùng sinh viên Trường Đại học Alaska Anchorage ngày 30/10/2023Đại diện NNTT và TSNA giao lưu cùng sinh viên Trường Trung học Stellar – Thành phố Anchorage – Alaska(Hoa Kỳ) ngày 30/10/2023Đại diện NNTT và TSNA giao lưu cùng giảng viên và học viên của Alaska Literacy Program và tặng quà cho chương trình thiện nguyện này  tại Thành phố Anchorage – Alaska(Hoa Kỳ) ngày 30/10/2023

ON THE JOURNEY TO JOIN UNESCO GLOBAL NETWORK OF LEARNING CITIES

A global learning city fosters intelligent and compassionate citizens, equipping them with the knowledge and mindset needed to drive national development in an era of deep integration.

The House of Wisdom has organized hundreds of free English classes, covering grammar, communication, math in English, and journaling. These initiatives have provided rural students from provinces such as Nghe An, Ha Tinh, Quang Ngai, Dong Nai, and Son La with opportunities to learn from native-speaking experts, significantly improving their language skills. Beyond language proficiency, the initiative focuses on essential soft skills, empowering students to confidently represent Vietnam on the global stage.

Each House of Wisdom adapts to the specific needs of its local learners: the New Zealand branch offers financial literacy training, the Japan branch provides career orientation, the Florida branch teaches programming, the Australian branch supports scholarship applications, and the Malaysia branch delivers a diverse range of cultural exchange programs and specialized workshops.

ON THE JOURNEY TO JOIN UNESCO GLOBAL NETWORK OF LEARNING CITIES
Tran Thi Tuong Anh and Tran Viet Bach, co-founders and coordinators of the House of Wisdom in Malaysia, guiding students at Nghi Trung Secondary School, Nghe An, on establishing and operating an English club.

Speaking about their experience, Tran Thi Tuong Anh and Tran Viet Bach shared:

"Through specialized training and mentorship, the House of Wisdom has nurtured a passionate and ambitious generation eager to connect with global knowledge while serving their communities. We have been equipped with language proficiency, critical skills to integrate and adapt, and the ability to balance academics with sports and the arts for holistic development. We have learned to embrace and respect cultural differences and recognize global challenges such as poverty, inequality, environmental pollution, climate change, war, and racial discrimination. We are ready to contribute to building a better world. These invaluable lessons come from hundreds of short- and long-term courses offered by the House of Wisdom and Compassion Books - all at zero cost".

ON THE JOURNEY TO JOIN UNESCO GLOBAL NETWORK OF LEARNING CITIES
Tran Viet Bach, coordinator of the House of Wisdom Penang - Malaysia, sharing his international experiences and promoting lifelong learning in Quan Hanh town, Nghi Loc, Nghe An.
ON THE JOURNEY TO JOIN UNESCO GLOBAL NETWORK OF LEARNING CITIES

After nearly a decade of operation, the House of Wisdom and Compassion Books have proven to be effective models that align with UNESCO’s priorities for building learning cities. These initiatives embody the essence of the term “global learning city”—fostering deep-rooted learning within communities while establishing strong international connections. By doing so, they have created sustainable value for localities and contributed to the global vision of lifelong learning.

As more Vietnamese cities strive to join the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities, scaling up successful models like the House of Wisdom and Compassion Books will help transform commitments into tangible actions. With its existing potential, Vietnam can undoubtedly become a beacon on the global map of learning cities, inspiring other nations to adopt innovative, humane, and sustainable educational initiatives.

ON THE JOURNEY TO JOIN UNESCO GLOBAL NETWORK OF LEARNING CITIES
ON THE JOURNEY TO JOIN UNESCO GLOBAL NETWORK OF LEARNING CITIES
ON THE JOURNEY TO JOIN UNESCO GLOBAL NETWORK OF LEARNING CITIES

ON THE JOURNEY TO JOIN UNESCO GLOBAL NETWORK OF LEARNING CITIES

Author: Tri Duc | Design: Lim Dim | Photo Source: Author provided

Lim Dim