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Author: Dariu-Admin

Call for Proposals: Digital Education Gap Project Vietnam

The Dariu Foundation (TDF) invites qualified evaluators to submit proposals for the final evaluation of our flagship digital education project in Vietnam. This three-year initiative (2023-2025), funded by Bread for the World, aims to enhance digital literacy and bridge the digital divide among school students in underserved regions of Vietnam.

About the Evaluation:

The evaluation will assess the project’s performance using OECD/DAC criteria, focusing on relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, impact, and sustainability. The selected evaluator(s) will employ a mixed-methods approach to provide comprehensive insights into the project’s achievements and learnings.

Key Deliverables:

  • Inception Report (March 2025)
  • Preliminary Report (May 2025)
  • Draft Evaluation Report (November 2025)
  • Final Evaluation Report (December 2025)

Required Qualifications:

  • Advanced degree in education, international development, or related social sciences
  • Proven expertise in digital education and pedagogic methodologies
  • Demonstrated experience in development project evaluations
  • Strong knowledge of OECD/DAC evaluation criteria
  • Excellence in qualitative and quantitative research methods
  • Fluent in English and Vietnamese
  • Strong analytical and report-writing skills

How to Apply:

Please submit the following documents by March 20, 2025:

  1. Technical proposal with detailed methodology and work plan
  2. Financial proposal
  3. CV(s) of evaluator(s)
  4. Sample of relevant evaluation reports

Submit your application to:

Mrs. Lan Anh – Project Manager
Email: prt.ho03@dariu.vn

Selection will be based on relevant experience, methodology quality, and proposed budget. For detailed information, please download the complete Terms of Reference
bit.ly/TDF25_ToR_DLI.

Join us in assessing this important initiative to bridge the digital divide in education!

MULTI-FUNCTIONAL RESCUE ROBOT

In disaster-prone Vietnam, where natural calamities like heavy rains, flash floods, and landslides cause devastating loss of life and property, a team of innovative students has developed a Multi-Functional Rescue Robot. This state-of-the-art solution aims to revolutionize search and rescue operations by improving efficiency, reducing response time, and minimizing risks to rescue personnel in hazardous environments1.

The Rescue Robot is equipped with advanced technologies to perform critical search and rescue functions in challenging conditions. It operates remotely, allowing rescue teams to gather real-time information and respond effectively while maintaining a safe distance.

HOW DOES IT WORK

Key Features and Functions:

Navigation & Detection

  • Omnidirectional wheel system for smooth navigation in complex terrain
  • Infrared sensors and head tracking camera for victim detection in low visibility conditions
  • Robotic arm for clearing debris, delivering supplies, or retrieving small objects

Intelligent Communication & Control

  • Two-way audio and video communication system
  • Remote control using Arduino Mega 2560 microcontroller
  • Environmental sensors for monitoring temperature, gas levels, and structural stability

Durability and Adaptability

  • All-terrain capability for operation in extreme environments
  • Weather-resistant design to withstand harsh conditions

This innovative project demonstrates the potential of technology to enhance disaster response and save lives in challenging situations

RICE GUARDIAN

Inspired by their family’s struggle with low rice seed germination, a group of students in Hau Giang Province developed the Rice Guardian to address the dual challenges of manual handling and increasing saltwater intrusion in rice cultivation. This innovative IoT device is designed to monitor and automate critical stages of rice cultivation, ensuring optimal growth and maximizing yield.

HOW DOES IT WORK

The Rice Guardian utilizes advanced sensors and IoT technology to create an optimal environment for rice cultivation:Key Components:

  1. Hardware
    • Wemos EsP8266 D1 mini board
    • Industrial nutrient concentration sensor
    • Industrial pH sensor
    • DS18B20 temperature sensor
    • SHT30 humidity and temperature sensor
    • Salinity sensor
    • Solar energy panel and battery

Main Functions:

  1. Perfect Seed Soaking
    • DS18B20 sensors track water temperature for optimal seed soaking
    • SHT30 sensors monitor temperature and humidity
    • Automated misting system maintains ideal germination conditions
  2. Nutrient-Rich Soil Management
    • Industrial-grade sensors monitor NPK, pH, and TDS levels
    • Provides real-time insights for targeted fertilization
  3. Salinity Defense
    • Instant alerts for salinity intrusion
    • Automatic activation of pumps or salt barriers to protect crops

The Rice Guardian represents a significant advancement in precision agriculture for rice cultivation. By combining automation, real-time monitoring, and environmental control, it offers a powerful tool for farmers to improve rice production efficiency and combat environmental challenges such as saltwater intrusion.

GREENFIELD GUARDIAN

The GreenField Guardian is an intelligent agricultural model designed for safe and efficient pesticide application and soil preparation. With many crops located near residential areas, this device helps reduce the risk of chemical exposure to people and the environment. It minimizes pesticide use, improves spray accuracy, and reduces costs for farmers by making crop care more effective.

HOW DOES IT WORK

The GreenField Guardian utilizes advanced technologies for precise and environmentally friendly agricultural operations:Key Functions:

  1. Pesticide Application
    • Integrated pump generates pressure for the pesticide solution
    • Fine misting through the nozzle ensures even coverage and minimal waste
  2. Soil Cultivation
    • Motor-driven tilling blades loosen the soil
    • Improved soil aeration for more efficient nutrient absorption by plants
  3. Control and Monitoring
    • Operation via control panel or mobile app
    • Remote monitoring of device status, start/stop of spraying function, and adjustment of cultivation depth

FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS

The development team plans the following improvements:

  • Integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and camera technology for automatic detection of plant diseases and treatment suggestions
  • Increased mobility by adding track drive for rough terrain
  • Incorporation of renewable energy sources for greater environmental friendliness

The GreenField Guardian represents a significant advancement in precision agriculture, enhancing efficiency while reducing environmental impact.

SMART INSECT BREEDING SYSTEM

This innovative project aims to develop an intelligent insect breeding system that leverages advanced technology to optimize the breeding process of rare insect species. By automating environmental controls, monitoring insect health, and providing real-time data analysis, this system seeks to enhance breeding efficiency, reduce labor costs, and contribute significantly to biodiversity conservation efforts.

HOW DOES IT WORK

The Smart Insect Breeding System employs cutting-edge technologies to create an optimal environment for rare insect species:Key Components:

  1. Sensor Integration
    • A comprehensive network of sensors monitors temperature, humidity, and light levels continuously
    • Ensures precise tracking of the growing environment
  2. Data Acquisition and Processing
    • Microcontroller collects and processes sensor data
    • Analyzes information to identify deviations from optimal conditions
  3. Automated Control
    • Based on data analysis, the microcontroller activates actuators
    • Adjusts environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and lighting automatically
  4. Remote Monitoring
    • Mobile app enables users to monitor the system remotely
    • Allows for setting adjustments and provides real-time alerts
  5. Data Analysis and Optimization
    • System collects and analyzes data on insect growth, behavior, and environmental conditions
    • Utilizes insights to optimize breeding practices and improve overall results

This Smart Insect Breeding System represents a significant advancement in entomology and conservation technology. By combining automation, data analysis, and remote monitoring capabilities, it offers a powerful tool for researchers and conservationists working to preserve rare insect species and maintain biodiversity.

SMART INSECT BREEDING SYSTEM

This innovative project aims to develop an intelligent insect breeding system that leverages advanced technology to optimize the breeding process of rare insect species. By automating environmental controls, monitoring insect health, and providing real-time data analysis, this system seeks to enhance breeding efficiency, reduce labor costs, and contribute significantly to biodiversity conservation efforts.

HOW DOES IT WORK

The Smart Insect Breeding System employs cutting-edge technologies to create an optimal environment for rare insect species:Key Components:

  1. Sensor Integration
    • A comprehensive network of sensors monitors temperature, humidity, and light levels continuously
    • Ensures precise tracking of the growing environment
  2. Data Acquisition and Processing
    • Microcontroller collects and processes sensor data
    • Analyzes information to identify deviations from optimal conditions
  3. Automated Control
    • Based on data analysis, the microcontroller activates actuators
    • Adjusts environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and lighting automatically
  4. Remote Monitoring
    • Mobile app enables users to monitor the system remotely
    • Allows for setting adjustments and provides real-time alerts
  5. Data Analysis and Optimization
    • System collects and analyzes data on insect growth, behavior, and environmental conditions
    • Utilizes insights to optimize breeding practices and improve overall results

This Smart Insect Breeding System represents a significant advancement in entomology and conservation technology. By combining automation, data analysis, and remote monitoring capabilities, it offers a powerful tool for researchers and conservationists working to preserve rare insect species and maintain biodiversity.

MOTORSAFE: Pioneering Green Urban Mobility

In an era of rapid urbanization, MOTORSAFE presents an innovative solution that bridges the gap between city living and nature: The Green Car. Developed by talented students from Nguyen Binh Khiem High School for Gifted Students in Vinh Long, this groundbreaking project transforms everyday transportation into mobile ecosystems.

Smart Technology Meets Environmental Sustainability

The Green Car isn’t just a vehicle – it’s a self-sustaining garden on wheels. Our advanced system combines autonomous driving capabilities with cutting-edge environmental technology:

  • Intelligent Irrigation System
    Smart sensors monitor soil conditions in real-time, delivering precise amounts of water to maintain optimal plant health
  • Solar-Powered Growth Lights
    Integrated solar panels power LED systems that ensure plants thrive in any urban environment, day or night
  • Advanced Plant Health Monitoring
    State-of-the-art sensors detect and prevent pest issues and diseases before they impact plant vitality
  • Adaptive Mobility Design
    Flexible positioning allows for strategic placement throughout urban spaces, maximizing the impact of green areas where they’re needed most

Impact on Urban Living

The Green Car project represents more than technological innovation – it’s a practical solution for creating healthier, more livable cities. By introducing mobile green spaces into urban environments, we’re improving air quality, enhancing urban aesthetics, and reconnecting city dwellers with nature.

Bringing nature back to cities, one vehicle at a time.

Bridging the Digital Divide: TDF’s New Makerspaces Spark Creativity in Rural Vietnam

In a landmark initiative this August, The Dariu Foundation (TDF) unveiled two state-of-the-art makerspaces in Vietnam’s Vinh Long Province, marking a significant stride in our commitment to democratize access to cutting-edge technology and digital literacy for rural students.

These innovative hubs, equipped with an array of advanced tools including 3D printers, laser cutters, and CNC machines, stand as beacons of creativity and innovation. They offer local students an unparalleled opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of digital fabrication and technological exploration.

Educators and students alike have embraced these new facilities with enthusiasm, recognizing their potential to transform learning experiences. Within these dynamic environments, students are already diving into the realms of coding, 3D modeling, and robotics, tackling real-world challenges with newfound technological prowess.

However, the impact of these makerspaces extends far beyond the realm of technology. They serve as crucibles for cultivating essential 21st-century skills. By nurturing creativity, honing critical thinking, and developing problem-solving abilities, TDF’s initiative is laying the groundwork for a future where the youth of Vinh Long Province are not just consumers of technology, but innovative creators and problem solvers.

As we witness the palpable excitement and engagement among students, it becomes clear that these makerspaces are more than just facilities—they are gateways to opportunity, catalysts for change, and stepping stones towards a brighter, more technologically empowered future for rural Vietnam.

Ultrasonic Smart Glasses For Vietnam’s Visually Impaired

Nearly a million people navigate life with visual impairments in Vietnam, their world shaped by shadows and sounds rather than sights. Of the 900,000 affected individuals—1.2% of the nation’s population—two-thirds experience total blindness. The challenge is further compounded by poverty, with one in three unable to access sight-restoring treatments due to financial constraints. In rural areas, where information about assistive technologies is scarce, the need for innovative solutions is particularly acute.

Enter our groundbreaking smart glasses, inspired by nature’s own master of navigation—the bat. These glasses harness the power of echolocation, blending cutting-edge hardware with sophisticated software to create a “visual” world through sound.

How do they work? It’s brilliantly simple:

  1. Power Up: With a simple switch, users activate the glasses’ built-in battery, bringing this assistive marvel to life.
  2. Customized Sensing: A user-friendly dial allows for personalized distance settings, adapting the ultrasonic sensors to individual needs and environments.
  3. Invisible Radar: The glasses emit ultrasonic waves that bounce off nearby objects. These returning waves are captured by a receiver, instantly calculating distances to potential obstacles.
  4. Vigilant Guardian: When an obstacle is detected, a discreet buzzer alerts the user, providing an auditory “map” of their surroundings.

While revolutionary, our current prototype still has room for growth. We’re working on enhancing the power source for extended use, introducing voice and vibration alerts for more nuanced feedback, and refining the aesthetic design to blend functionality with style.

As we look to the future, we envision these smart glasses not just as a tool, but as a beacon of independence for Vietnam’s visually impaired community. By making the invisible visible through sound, we’re not just creating a product—we’re crafting a new way of seeing the world.

Unleashing Creativity and Innovation: Mekong Delta’s Digital Summer Bootcamp

Digital Summer Bootcamp ignites creativity and innovation in Mekong Delta

In July 2024, nearly 100 talented young people participated in a dynamic two-week Digital Summer Bootcamp in Can Tho, Vietnam, where they were part of an exciting transformation. Selected from a competitive pool of 500 applicants, these students embarked on a journey of creativity and innovation. The program was jointly organized by the ICT School of Can Tho University (CICT), its Youth Union and The Dariu Foundation, with the aim of cultivating the next generation of tech innovators.

Throughout the bootcamp, students engaged in hands-on learning experiences and worked in teams of 5-6 to bring their creative ideas to life. Guided by experienced university student mentors, participants explored design thinking workshops, mastered 3D modeling with Sketch-up, and prototyped their concepts using a mix of digital equipment and recycled materials.

The bootcamp culminated in a lively showcase where the top 10 projects were presented to a panel of judges. Among the standout innovations were a beach cleaning machine, a mobile firefighting robot, and a pet grooming and cleaning device, all of which highlighted the exceptional talent and ingenuity of the young participants. These projects demonstrated the potential of technology to address societal challenges and contribute to a better future.

Beyond technical skills, the bootcamp fostered essential 21st century skills such as teamwork, problem solving, and critical thinking. By equipping young people with the tools and knowledge to innovate, the program empowered them to contribute to a more sustainable and technologically advanced society.

Contact Switzerland

Manuela Nieth
manuela@dariu.org

Contact Vietnam

Nguyen Van Hanh
hanh@dariu.vn


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