Organised by 2S Tinkering Co., Ltd. with support from the Quy Nhon Center for Science Exploration, the two-day event transformed a 300-square-metre space into an interactive playground where children explored paper-based crafts alongside a range of educational activities.
Participants engaged in making handmade paper, shaping paper pulp, decorating crafts and experimenting with creative games. Beyond paper, the festival also featured pottery, planting activities, virtual reality experiences, Lego robotics and puzzle challenges, creating a diverse learning environment.
Group games added to the lively atmosphere, turning the event into a festival-like space where children could learn through play while expressing creativity.
For many attendees, the event offered first-time experiences. Đỗ Nhật Nam, a fifth-grade student, said he was particularly interested in the process of making handmade paper and exploring virtual reality content.
Younger participants also found the event engaging. Huỳnh Tuấn Khang, a first-grade student, said he enjoyed drawing and decorating paper using materials such as pebbles and buttons.
At another booth, Đỗ Minh Triết, a fourth-grade student, explored traditional art by painting tuồng masks, alongside participating in quizzes and craft activities.
The event also attracted older students. Đoàn Thanh Vy, a 12th-grade student, said she was impressed by the scale and variety of activities, particularly paper model assembly, which allowed her to create objects such as vehicles and boats from simple materials.
Organisers said the festival drew thousands of visitors, including a large number of parents. Many described the event as an opportunity for families to connect while encouraging children to step away from screens and engage in hands-on learning.
Huỳnh Thị Ái Kiều, a parent who brought her two children to the event, said she was surprised by the diversity of activities and the educational value, particularly in helping children understand paper production, recycling and creative reuse.
All booths were operated by volunteers aiming to promote sustainable values. Hà Thị Như Ý, a kindergarten principal involved in the event, said the initiative also sought to strengthen connections between parents and children while supporting STEM education.
Children join in group games at the event. Photo: Organizing Committee
“Ngọ Ngoạy - Paperfest” is part of a broader series of community-focused initiatives by 2S Tinkering, which aims to address social and environmental challenges through art and cultural engagement.
Organisers described the event as a pilot programme ahead of a larger-scale Paperfest planned for late May 2026.
According to founder Trần Thị Hạnh Nguyên, paper was chosen as the central theme because it is an accessible material that encourages experimentation without fear of mistakes. She added that future plans include expanding participation and launching a mobile classroom programme to bring educational activities to remote areas.
While the festival centred on simple materials, organisers said its broader goal was to inspire creativity, foster community bonds and promote sustainable thinking among young participants and their families.
