From NZ to Vietnam
Thursday, 26th February 2026 at 11:50am
What started as a Product Design assignment at GBHS has brought a community together in Vietnam!
Brian Pham (Year 13) is an International student from Vietnam whose 'small' act of kindness is creating a far-reaching impact - building wooden study desks for children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
"Góc học tập nhỏ - ước mơ to" / "A small study corner - a big dream." Written by Brian Pham The idea for this project began with a very personal reflection. During my time studying at Green Bay High School, I had the opportunity to learn about design thinking, creativity, project-based learning, and the importance of social responsibility. These experiences often made me reflect on a question: Could I use the knowledge and skills I have gained to create something truly meaningful for society, especially for children?
As soon as I returned to Vietnam, I shared this thought with my family and a close group of friends. I wanted to create something small yet practical - something that could bring long-term value. From that desire, the idea of building wooden study desks for children from disadvantaged backgrounds was born.
I began by sourcing the materials myself. All the wood was purchased using my personal savings, from a workshop owned by acquaintances of my family. Thanks to their trust and support, I was able to use some of the machines in the workshop to cut the wood into components and fabricate the desk parts. This allowed me not only to reduce costs but also to be directly involved in every step of the production process.
One of the moments I remember most clearly was a quiet night when I sat alone to research and design the very first desk. I carefully studied the appropriate desk dimensions for primary school students, selected wood that was sturdy, durable, and safe, and considered the desk’s shape to ensure comfort, proper posture, and convenience. I wanted the desk to help prevent poor sitting posture and include storage space for books and school supplies.
From this research, I created detailed design drawings and even built a 3D model to better visualise the final product.
Once the design was finalised, I created promotional posters myself and shared them on Facebook and TikTok to call for community participation. I invited not only those who wished to help assemble the desks, but also anyone who wanted to contribute in other ways - by donating notebooks, school supplies, milk, snacks, supporting transportation, helping decorate study corners, or assisting with media and communication to help spread the project further.
What touched me the most was the overwhelming response the project received. Many young people from nearby high schools voluntarily came to help assemble the desks. I was also deeply grateful for the enthusiastic support from local Youth Union members, along with contributions from parents, adults, and other donors. Each person contributed in their own way, and together we created something truly meaningful.
When the desks were finally delivered to the children, my hope was not only to bring them a moment of joy. I wished for them to experience happiness upon receiving the desks, and more importantly, to have months and years of peace of mind while studying at a safe, comfortable, and well-organised study corner.
The moment I personally handed the desks to the children was when I truly felt the meaning of this project. I felt a deep sense of warmth and happiness - not because a task had been completed, but because I was able to share and witness genuine joy.
I saw smiles appear on the children’s faces as the desks were placed into their study corners. Some looked surprised, some shyly stood beside their families, while others excitedly ran around their new desks, touching the drawers and edges with curiosity. Some did not say much at all, but quietly smiled throughout the entire conversation - the happiness shining clearly in their eyes.
As the children began arranging their books and notebooks into a neat, organised, and complete study space, I realised that what I had delivered was not just a piece of furniture, but a feeling of being cared for and valued. Those innocent and heartfelt expressions from the children became the greatest motivation for me to believe that every effort made by myself and everyone involved was truly worthwhile.
Looking ahead, I hope to continue developing this project in a more sustainable direction. I want to keep learning and researching in order to create study products that are not only practical and aesthetically pleasing, but also safe, user-friendly, and environmentally responsible. Beyond that, I hope projects like this can serve as a bridge for young people to apply what they have learned in school to meaningful community service.
To me, “A Small Study Corner - A Big Dream” is not simply about building five study desks.
It is a journey of learning, sharing, and believing that even the smallest acts of kindness can create a far-reaching impact.
