On May 10, 2017, the Prime Minister of Vietnam issued the National Action Plan to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) — also known as the Global Goals — call for worldwide action to end poverty, protect the planet and climate, and ensure peace and prosperity for all people everywhere. At the heart of this agenda is the core principle: “Leaving no one behind.”
Embracing this spirit of “leaving no one behind,” the 3SR innovative startup team — consisting of six students under the guidance of Dr. Bùi Thị Thanh Hương from the University of Education – Vietnam National University, Hanoi — goes beyond just waste sorting, recycling, and STEAM education. Aligned with the global movement for the SDGs, 3SR carries the mission of connecting communities, sharing kindness, and supporting those in need — while protecting the environment and building a better, sustainable Vietnam.
Although Vietnam’s poverty and near-poverty rates have decreased in recent years, many children in remote and mountainous areas still face hunger, lack of clothing, and limited access to education. Seeing this, **3SR aims to develop an innovative recycling-based ecosystem. The project does more than just collect and recycle waste or bring STEAM-based recycling education into schools — it also supports students’ STEAM creativity by collecting and exchanging their recycled products for items co-developed with our partners, helping to fund scholarships.
Through this model, students can freely explore their creativity with STEAM, create meaningful products, and exchange them for items they dream of but may not otherwise afford.
As the project grows, the team hopes to collaborate with educational companies to offer valuable scholarships — such as training courses, school supplies, and other learning opportunities — to help children pursue their dreams of going to school.
Though the first steps have been challenging, 3SR hopes to attract funding and resources from political organizations, social groups, and non-profit grants. These resources will help the team develop the project to its fullest potential — especially to provide meaningful scholarships and support the dreams of Vietnamese children.