Successful Conclusion of Asia’s First TOM: 72-hour Makethon for Children with Disabilities

Discussing Vietnam-German University's support for the Makethon, VGU's President, Prof. Dr. Juergen Mallon was very delighted to host this event, that has fostered VGU's social responsibility in a very unique and meaningful way. VGU's resourceful students, backed by VGU's state-of-the-art laboratories and experienced engineering team, have demonstrated their ability to apply academic learning into practical solutions. In his welcome remarks at the kick-off ceremony on Friday, June 3, Economic Officer Nate Rettenmayer of the U.S. Consulate General HCMC hailed the emerging Maker Movement and the TOM event specifically as a "force for good in society" and flagged the event as of several maker programs the Consulate has supported through its innovative Maker Movement Promotion Partnership. NGO Tikkun Olam Maker's Manager of Global Development said that "We are so proud that the first TOM in Asia is taking place in Vietnam with an amazingly strong team of international partners. It's incredible to see such motivated teams that are taking social responsibility and working to improve the lives for children with disabilities in this country". Fablab Saigon praised the quality of the projects, noting that: "Vietnam truly is a nation of Makers. Given the right tools, knowledge and network, people can invent extraordinary things with great positive impact. Partnerships such as the one behind the organization of TOM Vietnam are keys to create these opportunities for the country to leapfrog."

Consul General Rena Bitter met with the children and working teams prior to delivering welcome remarks at the celebration event. "The U.S. Consulate sees the Maker Movement not only a driver of economic growth, but also as a movement to affect positive change in local communities. We can see that positive change here today in the unique prototypes that I reviewed a few minutes ago."

Ms Marianne Oehlers, Chief of Programme Partnerships Office, UNICEF Viet Nam noted that children with disabilities are among the most vulnerable and marginalized in Viet Nam. According to official statistics about 85% do not complete primary school and just one in five children with disabilities use special aids and devices. TOM: Viet Nam evidence that children with disabilities are highly able to identify own needs and thereby set the agenda for their very own development. During the last 72 hours we have witnessed the existence of a strong and dedicated community who has made a real difference for these children. On behalf of UNICEF, I would like to congratulate all the 7 teams for their excellent work and thank our partners for putting children with disabilities high on their agendas so that we together can do more! 

Ms Einat Halevy Levin, Business Development director at Israel's Economic and Trade mission in Vietnam: "We are very proud to have Israeli social innovation models like TOM in the main focus of interest in Vietnam. Israel is aiming to combine our start up nation knowledge with social causes like inclusivity, and children living with disabilities - and we are happy we could make it happen today in HCMC with our amazing partners."

For more information please contact:

• Ms Lauren M. Gibson, Information Officer, U.S. Consulate - Ho Chi Minh City, Email: Gibsonlm1@state.gov, Cell: 097-485-3030
• Mr Truong Viet Hung, Communications Officer, UNICEF Viet Nam, E-mail: tvhung@unicef.org, Cell: (+84) 903224470