Youths bring knowledge and dedication to serve the community
In modern society, young people are increasingly affirming their pioneering role in community development.
Latest
These passionate and intelligent individuals engage in beneficial activities and lead, organize, and spread initiatives that bring lasting value.
A notable example is the siblings Tran Thi Tuong Anh and Tran Viet Bach, who have dedicated themselves to promoting knowledge and lifelong learning through The House of Wisdom Malaysia, part of the global House of Wisdom network.
| - Compassion Books and the House of Wisdom are two educational philanthropic programs dedicated to creating, maintaining, and developing lifelong learning communities free of charge for people of all ages. - As of now, the two programs have established a network of more than 25,000 bookcases and libraries, distributing over 1.5 million books in more than 3,200 schools and residential communities; built 300 lifelong learning spaces across 17 provinces and cities in Vietnam and five other countries (Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and the United States). - In October 2023, the U.S. Library of Congress recognised the program with the Literacy and Knowledge Dissemination Award for Excellence. |
The journey of growth and serving the community for talented youths
Throughout the more than eight-year journey of operating the Compassion Books and House of Wisdom programs, Mr. Nguyen Anh Tuan, the founder of these initiatives, shared that spreading knowledge has always been the mission and guiding principle for the organization’s activities.
He emphasized, however, that the significant difference is that the younger generation not only benefits from but also leads, designs, and implements the programs, creating a dynamic and creative model with lasting value. According to him, the contributions of Tuong Anh and Viet Bach over the years are a vivid demonstration of the potential power of harnessing the intelligence and enthusiasm of young people to serve the community.
In June 2021, while studying in Malaysia, Tran Thi Tuong Anh (now a second-year student at Wesleyan University, USA) and Tran Viet Bach (now a 10th-grade student specializing in English at Phan Boi Chau High School for the Gifted) co-founded the House of Wisdom Malaysia.
They aimed to bring knowledge to the Vietnamese community in Malaysia and back home. Under their leadership, the House of Wisdom Malaysia has grown into a robust endeavour, extending beyond education to foster cultural exchange and global knowledge sharing.
 |
| A picture of Tuong Anh with Mr. Nguyen Anh Tuan, founder of the House of Wisdom and co-founder of Compassion Books and key members of the two programs when they visited Wesleyan University in Connecticut (USA), where Tuong Anh is studying. |
Developing the community through cross-border connections
The programs led by Tuong Anh and Viet Bach extend beyond teaching English, aiming to develop global skills that equip students to step into the world with confidence and a lifelong learning mindset. Across more than 15 free English courses they have organized, the curriculum has covered grammar, communication, debate and math in English, and bilingual journaling. These efforts have given thousands of students from Nghe An, Thanh Hoa, Ha Tinh, and Quang Ngai provinces access to a modern, high-quality learning environment.
In addition to online courses, Tuong Anh and Viet Bach return to Vietnam every summer to host in-person exchange sessions, sharing their knowledge and skills with students from various regions. Beginning with their first talk show in August 2019 at The House of Wisdom No.1 in Thanh Tien commune, Thanh Chuong district, Nghe An, titled "Little stories”, they gradually expanded the exchanges to reach more villages and cities. These events were regularly organized in Yen Thanh and Thanh Chuong districts (Nghe An), Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh City during the summer of 2022, and in Thach Ha, Can Loc, and Huong Son districts; and Ha Tinh City (Ha Tinh) in the summer of 2023.
 |
| Tuong Anh and Viet Bach talk to students during the "A Happy Journey to School" exchange session at Nghi Trung Secondary School, Nghi Loc, Nghe An. |
 |
| Tuong Anh, Viet Bach and their younger brother Anh Tung received souvenirs from students of Ton Quang Phiet Secondary School (Thanh Chuong, Nghe An) during the exchange program "Toward the horizon". |
Throughout July and August 2024, the two siblings organised various learning exchange events at middle schools across Nghe An province. Notable events included “A happy journey to school” at Nghi Trung Middle School (Nghi Loc district) on August 4th, “Toward the horizon” at Ton Quang Phiet Middle School (Thanh Chuong district) on August 9th, and “Adventures near and far” on August 16th in Quan Hanh town (Nghi Loc district), all of which attracted hundreds of teachers and students.
Additionally, cultural exchange sessions with Associate Professor Shannon Gramse from the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) at House of Wisdom Thuy Nga (Tan Ky district), and the seminar “Embracing Tomorrow” in Vinh City led by Mr. Ian Gardiner from House of Wisdom New York, were held from August 21st to 31st. These specialized lectures by professors from prestigious universities have solidified the House of Wisdom Malaysia’s reputation as a leading example in bringing knowledge to rural areas of Vietnam.
 |
| Viet Bach presents a gift to a student who answered a question correctly from the English quiz section. |
 |
| Mr. Ian Gardiner from the House of Wisdom New York gifts bookmarks with the House of Wisdom logo to the talk show "Embracing Tomorrow" participants at Vinh City, Nghe An. |
The two young leaders have also actively expanded their collaborations with House of Wisdom branches in other countries to create impactful and lasting programs.
For instance, they partnered with the House of Wisdom New Zealand to offer financial management training, collaborated with the House of Wisdom Australia on meaningful volunteer initiatives, and worked with the House of Wisdom Japan on cultural adaptation and career guidance.
Their experiences living and studying across various nations have provided Tuong Anh and Viet Bach with a well-rounded and good understanding of the world, enabling them to convey authentic and compelling stories to students. These international experiences refine their communication skills and provide innovative and creative perspectives on education, society, and culture.
 |
| Tuong Anh and Viet Bach take pictures with the students from the exchange "Adventures near and far" at Quan Hanh town, Nghi Loc, Nghe An. |
 |
| Students from Quan Hanh Town and neighboring communes in Nghi Loc District, Nghe An, attended the “Adventures Near and Far” event. |
Tuong Anh and Viet Bach remain committed to setting ever-larger goals for the future. Since 2023, Tuong Anh has been a Teaching Fellow at the National Education Equity Lab (New York, USA), where she collaborates with leading educators and bridges knowledge with the global student community. As a Lead Teaching Fellow from Wesleyan University, she aims to further extend the reach of the House of Wisdom and develop even more impactful educational initiatives alongside her brother.
As a co-founder, Viet Bach will continue to work with his sister in their educational endeavours. Together, they aim to improve the quality of education in Vietnam and promote the spirit of lifelong learning on a global scale.
 |
| Viet Bach hosts a cultural exchange "Travel and Adventure around the world" with Associate Professor Shannon Gramse from the University of Alaska Anchorage (USA) and his daughter and friends. |
Viet Bach hosts a cultural exchange "Travel and Adventure around the world" with Associate Professor Shannon Gramse from the University of Alaska Anchorage (USA) and his daughter and friends.
 |
| Tuong Anh talks to students in Trung Loc commune, Can Loc district, Ha Tinh province. |
Youths: The driving force for change and leading the community
The story of Tran Thi Tuong Anh and Tran Viet Bach vividly illustrates the strength of youths in harnessing their intellect and dedication to serve the community. They have consistently sought not only to learn from the world but also to give back by sharing knowledge and organizing impactful educational initiatives. Their efforts have enabled thousands of students in rural Vietnam to access new knowledge, develop global skills, and expand their horizons.
In the era of globalization, young people are not just the inheritors but also the driving force behind positive change, especially in education and community development. With their intelligence, acumen, and ability to connect across borders, the younger generation is emerging as future leaders, making significant contributions to community progress on both a local and global scale.
| Tran Thi Tuong Anh: - Full scholarship worth 9 billion VND from Wesleyan University (ranked 11th among liberal arts colleges in the U.S.) for 4 years of undergraduate study. - Top in the World Award in Mathematics from Cambridge Assessment, United Kingdom (2020). - Gold Medal at the Advanced Innovation Global Competition in Singapore (2021). - Scholarship for the International Baccalaureate Program at Uplands International School, Penang, Malaysia (2021). - Silver Medal in the 100m Breaststroke at the British International Schools Sports Tournament in Bangkok (2019). - Second place in the National Speech Competition in Malaysia (2019). - Attended International Student Leadership Conferences in Thailand, Malaysia, and Australia. - Black belt in Karate, violin player, and 8.5 IELTS
Tran Viet Bach: - Second place in the Provincial English Talent Competition, 2024. - Third place in the 100m Breaststroke at the Provincial Sports Festival, 2024. |
