One Place One Story (OPOS) is a summer camp program organized annually by Lawrence S. Ting Foundation (LSTF) in collaboration with local Vietnamese authorities. Each year, OPOS selects a new location within Vietnam to offer underprivileged students the opportunity to enhance their English communication skills and develop essential soft skills.

As Vietnam embraces globalization and integrates further into the global stage, it opens a multitude of opportunities for cultural exchange, economic growth, and national promotion. OPOS aims to support students in many provinces to enhance their English communication skills, foster valuable soft skills, equip students with the tools to express the unique beauty of their own cultures in English, fostering awareness and social responsibility.

Campers study in their classroom.

In 2023, the summer camp welcomed 90 middle school students from four schools in Soc Trang, guided by 40 volunteers. With the theme “Galactic Messenger,” the camp aimed not only to improve the students’ English skills but also to develop their teamwork and leadership abilities.

In addition to theoretical lessons, the campers had the chance to experience local culture through visits to places like Kh’leang Pagoda, Som Rong Pagoda, and Tan Hue Vien – Pia Cake Factory. These activities not only deepened their cultural understanding but also created lasting memories.

Luu Minh Hao, a student from Ly Thuong Kiet School, expressed: “The summer camp was amazing! My most memorable experience was visiting the cake factory, where I got to taste different types of cakes and wanted to share Soc Trang’s cuisine with everyone.”

The closing event, the “Storytelling Event,” provided a creative space for students to showcase what they had learned, demonstrating their growth in vocabulary and presentation skills.

Following the success of OPOS 2023, the OPOS 2024 program continued with the theme “Super Heroes.” The number of campers increased to 120, guided by 44 enthusiastic volunteers.

The program not only included lessons but also featured activities to explore local culture. Students will learn about the region’s cuisine, festivals, and cultural values. Notably, OPOS 2024 hosted the “Bamboo Exhibition,” a creative activity aimed at igniting a passion for art and understanding the significance of bamboo in Soc Trang’s culture.

The closing event, the “Storytelling Event,” provided an opportunity for campers to express their creativity and progress in English presentation skills. Quoc Anh, a camper, shared: “After 10 days at OPOS, I learned so much and made many new friends. Playing with everyone was fun, and the volunteers were very supportive. I’m really grateful to have participated in this camp!”

In the future, OPOS summer camp will continue to be organized at other localities in Vietnam, bringing its transformative English-language learning experience to students from disadvantaged backgrounds across Vietnam. Lawrence S. Ting Foundation believes that improving English skills will open the door to knowledge and shape a brighter future for the students.

Volunteers from SSIS and LSTS.