Olive Tree Estates is proud to share that we recently had the privilege of partnering with Preschool Market Pte Ltd (“PSM”) to conduct our first on-the-ground training and equipping workshop for kindergarten teachers. Together, our two social enterprises contributed to the equipping of 29 kindergarten teachers in our network of five kindergartens in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The workshop was held in early November, hosted by Hope Kindergarten and Sunshine Kindergarten, situated at Imperial Place (An Lac, Ho Chi Minh City), a social housing estate built by our partner National Housing Organization JSC (“NHO”).
PSM is a principal consultant to Singapore’s Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA), providing training and consultancy to kindergartens across Singapore. When we first began conversations in 2019, while PSM’s experience and expertise in the sector were apparent, it was their heart for building communities and providing equal learning opportunities for children that really shone through. With borders opening in 2022, we are grateful to finally have this opportunity to partner with such a like-hearted enterprise to bring capacity-building resources like STEM (Science Technology Engineering Mathematics)-based programmes to our early childhood education partners in Vietnam.
PSM is a principal consultant to Singapore’s Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA), providing training and consultancy to kindergartens across Singapore. When we first began conversations in 2019, while PSM’s experience and expertise in the sector were apparent, it was their heart for building communities and providing equal learning opportunities for children that really shone through. With borders opening in 2022, we are grateful to finally have this opportunity to partner with such a like-hearted enterprise to bring capacity-building resources like STEM (Science Technology Engineering Mathematics)-based programmes to our early childhood education partners in Vietnam.
The workshop covered two practical areas— “Loose Parts Play” and “Using Picture Books as a Catalyst to STEM”. These two areas equipped the teachers with meaningful ways to engage toddlers and younger children, facilitating exploratory play in a safe setting, cultivating curiosity, and developing analytical skills. Keeping in line with our commitment towards sustainability, the skills taught also did not require the teachers nor the kindergartens to purchase any additional packages or supplies. Teachers were instead shown how they could creatively utilise cleaned post-consumer materials from the school and the community around them, effectively giving these items a second lease of life.
We were encouraged by the energy and enthusiasm in the room. The teachers contributed many good ideas and suggested innovative natural materials for use in the classroom. The creativity of the teachers was evident as they made the learning their own in their local context. With their minds opened, the teachers conceived new ideas for better engaging and educating the children under their care. They especially appreciated the practicality of the skills taught and were eager to utilise them in their own lessons.
We once again thank our learning partner, PSM, and look forward to more opportunities to transform lives and communities together.
Olive Tree Estates Limited (“OTE”) opens second pilot Family Centre at an Affordable Housing residential development in Binh Duong, Vietnam
