The Vietnamese school supporting student wellbeing to grow compassionate global citizens
Vinschool Smart City Primary School is an independent bilingual school in Hanoi, Vietnam, founded during the COVID-19 pandemic - a time that highlighted the urgent need to support student wellbeing in all its forms. From its outset, the school recognised that meaningful learning depends on students being physically, mentally, and socially well. In response, it launched the Wellbeing for Better Learning project - an initiative designed to reduce barriers to mental health support and embed wellbeing into every aspect of school life, helping students develop as well-rounded, healthy and compassionate global citizens.
Developed through consultation with teachers and psychologists, the project framework focuses on four key dimensions of psychological wellbeing: physical health, mental health, cognitive health, and social health, and has been implemented across the entire school community. A dedicated student wellbeing system has been integrated into a school app with separate portals for students, families and teachers, to ensure broad accessibility and engagement. A school-wide social-emotional learning (SEL) programme serves as a solid foundation for students to build social, emotional, and organisational skills, while training for teachers and parents is provided in professional development sessions. The school has become a wellbeing-centred environment with sports facilities, PE lessons, and more than 20 music and social clubs. Student-led wellbeing initiatives that address healthy living topics are empowering learners to put their ideas into practice.
The school has successfully created a space where students feel confident and safe. Enrolment has grown from an initial student population of 206 to 1,410 in just four years. Wellbeing is embedded in the curriculum, with students delivering 120 social-emotional learning lessons and 30 wellbeing workshops that reach 1,500 participants to support their peers, and participating in long-term community service projects. 97% of teachers have completed wellbeing training programmes, and the school facilitates six parenting workshops annually, averaging 200 parents per session.
By placing student wellbeing at the centre of learning, Vinschool Smart City Primary School is proving that when students thrive, so does their capacity for learning and positive impact on the communities around them.
