In early November 2023, Phil delivered a free S4P public speaking course for youth in Nong Cong, a district in the province of Thanh Hoa, three hours south of Ha Noi.

Students aged from 10-16 participated after school and on the weekend in a 10-hour course that aimed to build confidence and skills in speaking up about the planet. Each gave a talk on themselves (being able to introduce yourself to a group is very important!) and a talk on nature. Here are those second talks.

It was successful.

Phil worked in a wonderful community of learners and learning built and supported by an English teacher, Ms Ngoc Hong Nguyen. Ms Hong works with IE&Co, and English training company based in Ha Noi. The direct benefits of her energy and commitment to student learning and well-being were palpable. Students worked together, cared for each other, and helped each other improve. And behind the students are parents who value and support the work Ms Hong does – they were certainly supportive of the public speaking course! Phil is very grateful for the warmth and generosity of spirit he felt while down south in that beautiful rural area.

Future such courses are planned with IE&Co.