Teacher sparks scientific innovation among ethnic minority students

6/7/2025 - 12:55:24 PM

More than just an information technology teacher, Bui Van Nien is an inspiring figure who has nurtured the scientific curiosity and creative spirit of students in Vietnam’s ethnic minority communities.

Teacher Bui Van Nien guides students of the STEM Club at Yen Phu Primary and Secondary School, Lac Son district, in assembling product models.

A member of the Muong ethnic group, Nien was born and raised in the rural commune of Yen Nghiep, Lac Son district. From a young age, he dreamed of becoming a teacher, determined to return to his hometown and pass on knowledge to the next generation.

Over 15 years of teaching in remote areas, including the disadvantaged Quy Hoa Primary and Secondary School, Nien has guided his students, mostly children of farming families, many living apart from parents, to explore the world of science and technology. Despite challenges in infrastructure and access, their passion for learning has remained strong.

Recognising the importance of STEM education in the Industrial Revolution 4.0, Nien proposed the creation of a school STEM Club shortly after arriving at Quy Hoa. With little equipment or materials, he began mentoring students, helping them identify real-life problems and design practical STEM projects.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Nien encouraged students to develop a robot that reminded people to wear masks and offered automatic hand sanitiser. The project went on to win first prize at the district-level innovation competition and second prize at the provincial level in 2021.

To fund student projects, Nien often reached into his own pocket, buying used laptops and electronic components. He also mobilised support from local organisations, the school, and parents. Many of his students come from policy-beneficiary families or live without direct parental care, making communication and coordination challenging. In some cases, Nien even personally transported students to school so they could complete their work, sometimes staying late into the night.

Under his guidance, the STEM Club has entered multiple competitions, winning several district and provincial awards. Notably, an AI-powered student attendance system developed by the club was featured on national television (VTV1) and attracted interest from provincial authorities for potential real-world application.

Since the 2024–2025 academic year, Nien has been transferred to Yen Phu Primary and Secondary School, where he continues to inspire and mentor young innovators. Most recently, the school’s STEM Club earned a consolation prize at the 20th Hoa Binh provincial Youth Innovation Contest in 2024.

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