“As a university lecturer, I’ve observed that although they are still young, IB students’ research abilities are on par with university students. Their process—from conducting field surveys, analyzing issues, researching documents to citing academic sources—is highly scholarly. This will be a strong foundation for their future academic journey.” That was the feedback from Ms. Bùi Thị Xuân, a parent, during the community project presentation by students in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program at The Dewey Schools.
Officially launched in September 2025, after nearly eight months of careful planning and execution, the series of community projects by students of class 9Zurich has reached the reporting phase. Six student groups, each with a different topic, presented fresh perspectives on pressing social issues and proposed practical, humane solutions for the community. Notable among these was a project offering free online English lessons to underprivileged children, aiming to close the educational gap and give them access to a global language. Another standout was a project focused on sex education for H’Mông adolescents, addressing the alarming rates of early marriage and teenage pregnancy in ethnic minority regions.
Throughout the project implementation, students encountered various challenges. For Hương Giang and Ngân Hà, staying up until 2 a.m. to co-edit a 150-page guidebook on Old Quarter cuisine was an unforgettable memory. Driven by their love for Hanoi and a desire to promote Vietnamese culinary heritage to the world, they persevered to complete the project. Another group designed outdoor feeding trays for sparrows to prevent crop damage. Despite numerous trials, redesigns, and even using sound devices to attract the birds, none came to eat by the end of the project. Yet, instead of giving up, they continued testing and searching for solutions—even after the project officially ended. Đức Anh, a team member, shared: “What I learned is perseverance, and above all, the importance of protecting animals.”
“I truly admire the students’ honesty and courage in confronting failure and openly sharing the difficulties they faced. They understand that not every idea will run smoothly from the start. Each stumble is a chance to grow, to learn, and to go further in future projects,” said Ms. Nguyễn Thanh Phương, a parent of a 9Zurich student.
This series of community projects is also a vivid testament to the Service-Learning approach at Dewey. This integrated educational method combines academic knowledge with real-world action, providing students with opportunities to engage in socially impactful activities such as volunteering and researching solutions for the common good. Through these experiences, students not only absorb knowledge beyond textbooks but also gain hands-on experiences, develop critical thinking, a sense of responsibility, and essential social skills to become global citizens.
