Hope Thread project brings students together through connection and wellbeing

Supported by Nord Anglia Education’s Social Impact Grants, initiatives such as Hope Thread and The PatchWork Project focus on student wellbeing, inclusion, and community engagement, creating opportunities for young people to connect and grow.

Hope Thread is led by a group of dedicated Year 12 students who aim to support the emotional wellbeing of younger learners through creativity, collaboration, and meaningful connections. On 5 April, the Hope Thread team travelled to Vật Lại Commune, Ba Vì, to host a student exchange workshop with Phú Sơn Secondary School, in partnership with Humanitarian Services for Children of Vietnam (HSCV).

The exchange day brought students from different backgrounds together through a series of interactive activities designed to build trust, communication, and teamwork. These shared experiences encouraged participants to step beyond their familiar social circles, develop confidence, and form new friendships in a positive and inclusive learning environment.
 

For the Hope Thread core team, the workshop marked an important milestone after months of preparation, including activity design, logistics planning, fundraising, and securing a USD 3,000 Nord Anglia Social Impact Grant. 

“This was our very first workshop, and knowing how much effort went into building the project made it incredibly meaningful to see everything come together successfully,” shared a member of the core team. 

The experience also offered valuable learning opportunities for the BIS Hanoi students who volunteered to participate in the project. Working within limited timeframes and navigating language differences helped strengthen their adaptability, teamwork, and communication skills. Despite challenges, strong collaboration among members of the team ensured the workshop was engaging and welcoming for everyone.

One student shared how participating helped them step outside their comfort zone: 

“Even though I’m usually quite shy, the activities helped me feel at ease. The theme of friendship was especially meaningful, as it reminded me how important connections are to our wellbeing.” 

Overall, the workshop was a rewarding experience for all involved. Positive feedback from Phú Sơn students reinforced the purpose of Hope Thread, which is to create meaningful connections and make a positive difference, however small. 

Through initiatives like Hope Thread, students at British International School Hanoi continue to demonstrate how young people, when empowered and supported, can lead with empathy, responsibility, and real impact. These experiences not only strengthen local communities but also contribute to students’ personal growth, global citizenship, and commitment to social responsibility.