Tinkering Her Way Forward: Y Hỉnh’s Journey with Micro:bit

In a classroom tucked away in Viet Nam’s Central Highlands, laughter and curiosity filled the air. Students huddled around a table, shaking a tiny electronic board—the micro:bit—and watching eagerly as numbers appeared. Each number unlocked a card—water, soil, or plants—pieces they could use to build their own farms in a board game. It was a simple game, yet it sparked something powerful: creativity, connection, and pride in their culture.

Behind this joyful scene was Y Hỉnh, a 12-year-old girl from the Giẻ Triêng ethnic minority. She is in grade 6 at Truong Sa School in Kon Tum, in the Central Highlands of Viet Nam. Her farm-themed board game, inspired by village life and powered by micro:bit technology, was more than just a school project—it was a reflection of her journey, her courage, and her hope to bring people closer together.

“I want to bring this game back to my village and share it with my friends and family—so we can feel more connected and take more responsibility for our environment,” she said.

Y Hỉnh’s idea was born from her own experience growing up in a community where children rarely spoke up or interacted confidently. She wanted to change that. Drawing inspiration from the board game Catan, which once helped her feel more confident, she and her teammates created a game that encourages communication, collaboration, and care for the environment.

Her project was part of the “Tinkering with Tech – Innovating with Micro:bit” competition, organized by UNICEF, development partners and the Kon Tum Department of Education and Training, with support from Shinhan Card. The initiative helps students develop 21st-century skills—like coding, creativity, and problem-solving—through hands-on learning with micro:bit,  a pocket-sized programmable device. By integrating technology and design thinking, the initiative builds computational thinking and encourages students and teachers to tackle social challenges like climate change and mental health. It also fosters a love for STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) and promotes gender equality in STEAM, especially for girls from ethnic minority communities.

Y Hỉnh and her team won the “Inspiring Participant” award—not just for the game, but for the determination to take part.

“At first, I felt insecure. I didn’t know how to code, I wasn’t used to computers, and my English wasn’t good,” Y Hỉnh shared. “But with help from my teachers and friends, I slowly caught up. This time, I want to keep trying."

“I told my friends that if we quit, our parents would be disappointed. They worry about our future without education. So we decided to stay and give it our best.”

Her story reflects a broader challenge in Viet Nam, where many students - especially girls -still face barriers to digital learning. In remote rural areas, limited access to electricity, internet, and digital devices makes it harder for children to benefit from technology in education. This digital divide deepens gender inequality. Girls often feel less confident using technology and engaging in STEM subjects, partly due to social norms that discourage them from pursuing these fields. As a result, fewer girls develop the digital skills they need to succeed in today’s world.

Ms. Đinh Thị Lan, Deputy Director of the Kon Tum Department of Education and Training, praised the competition’s impact:

“This event gives students a chance to build essential skills like critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration. They learn how to use technology in meaningful ways to solve real problems.”

With no prior experience in coding, Hỉnh learned to use micro:bit in just two weeks. She asked older students for help, practiced her presentation in front of a mirror, and pushed herself beyond her comfort zone.

Even though the competition is over, Hỉnh’s journey is just beginning.

“I want to share this with other friends in my community. And if I get the chance, I’d love to join the competition again,” she said, her eyes shining with excitement.

More than a prize, Hỉnh discovered something lasting:

“You have to be confident. Don’t be ashamed of who you are. Everyone has a talent.”

Her words remind us that when girls like Y Hỉnh are given the chance to explore, create, and lead, they don’t just build games - they build futures.

Children like Y Hỉnh remind us of the creativity, resilience, and potential that flourish when the right opportunities are given. Through initiatives like Tinkering with Tech, UNICEF is working hand-in-hand with local education authorities in Viet Nam to build inclusive, dynamic learning environments where every child - especially girls - can thrive. By bringing micro:bits into classrooms, the program helps students develop digital and transferable skills, encourages girls to explore STEAM, and empowers young people to become changemakers in their communities.