Building a Sustainable Future at Phoenix' Nest

On Friday, 14 February, eight teams of 8th graders took to the stage in a packed theatre in an attempt to gain investment for new student-initiated social enterprises at UNIS Hanoi. A jury of critical experts listened to their pitches, inspected their financial numbers and asked some serious questions. This event was the culmination of an MYP Design Unit called ‘Phoenix’ Nest‘. The goal of the unit was to apply the design cycle to the development of a sustainable business that works towards achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

The jury consisted of Ms Tamesis, Resident Coordinator of the UN in Vietnam, Mr Daltry, Treasurer of the SCO, Ms Chung, UNIS Board Chair and Ms McGee, our Head of School. In the audience was the entire Middle School. The eight teams pitching their plans were what remained of 25 teams that participated in preliminary rounds. The students did amazingly well under great pressure: A real example of UNIS living its mission to empower students to create a positive, sustainable impact.

The winners of full investment for the start-up of their enterprise – courtesy of the UNIS Impact Fund – were the Team Algaerify. Algaerify is trying to decrease the impact of poor air quality on UNIS students… by introducing an all-natural algae-based air purifier!