Building sustainable Eco-Schools through practical initiatives

As part of the launch of the ASEAN Eco-Schools Vietnam 2025 Award, a forum was held under the theme “Plastic-Free Schools: Action for a Green Generation". The event brought together perspectives from environmental, education, management, and architectural experts. It was not only an opportunity to share knowledge and practical experiences but also a space to spark new initiatives aimed at realizing the vision of plastic-free schools, helping safeguard the environment and nurturing a generation of responsible, creative students.

An award that values initiatives and community engagement

At the event, experts emphasized that the ASEAN Eco-Schools Vietnam 2025 Award is more than just a title, it is a catalyst for schools to act. According to Prof. Dang Thi Kim Chi, an environmental expert, the judging process focuses on two main factors: innovation and community involvement. “Even schools without an annual budget for these activities can still be recognized if they demonstrate creative solutions to reduce plastic use and collect waste", she said.

Examples include initiatives where schools sell recyclable waste to specialized facilities, generating modest yet effective funding while demonstrating initiative and creativity. Active participation from local organizations, authorities, and especially parents is also highly valued, signaling that schools have succeeded in mobilizing social resources rather than relying solely on internal budgets.

Prof. Chi noted three key evaluation criteria: action plans applicable to all schools regardless of location; teaching curricula that reflect the role of teachers; and the local context, where customs and conditions are respected but sustainability remains central, avoiding excessive single-use plastics while ensuring waste reduction and collection. Additional points are awarded to schools with outstanding initiatives in minimizing plastic waste.

From an architectural and cultural perspective, architect Hoang Thuc Hao, Vice President of the Vietnam Association of Architects and designer of the Genesis School along with many other green education projects - praised the award’s potential and urged that it be expanded nationwide. He suggested that the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment could partner with the Association of Architects and the University of Civil Engineering to amplify its impact.

According to Hao, ecology in schools has both physical and humanistic dimensions. In educational settings, the humanistic side, particularly the example set by teachers, is decisive. “Teachers are the most powerful source of inspiration for students”, he stressed. He also cautioned that architectural models should not be applied uniformly: urban schools may focus inward to block noise, while those in mountainous areas should open outward, embracing nature and using local materials.

A pilot model in Hue, where students took the lead in reducing plastic waste with scientific support from the Vietnam Institute of Educational Sciences, is currently being scaled up by UNICEF in collaboration with 10 provincial education departments. This consistent approach connects schools and local authorities, spreading environmental knowledge and skills evenly and embedding the plastic-free movement into school culture.

Commitment from educational leadership

From the perspective of international organizations, building eco-schools begins not with infrastructure but with the awareness and commitment of school leadership. Le Anh Lan, Education Specialist at UNICEF Vietnam, highlighted that reducing plastic waste must be prioritized as part of the strategic mission of building eco-schools, rather than treated as a short-term campaign. “For the plastic-free school movement to take root, management must see it as a strategic task and integrate it into action plans and curricula", she said.

Lan noted that schools in remote areas often show great enthusiasm and openness to new initiatives, but turning passion into results requires leadership commitment. “Leadership matters more than public sentiment. When education managers and principals recognize that building eco-schools is essential, implementation becomes much easier. With dedication and innovative thinking, it can be done”, she stressed.

She added that commitment is the true measure of seriousness: when management commits, it provides a foundation for practical actions like waste sorting, recycling, and reducing single-use plastics. It also motivates teachers, students, and parents to follow. With the right mindset and commitment, both urban and rural schools can successfully implement the eco-school model. UNICEF has pledged to support this journey - from providing materials and training to sharing best practices, so each school becomes a “nursery” for environmentally responsible students.

Mac Dinh Chi High School in Hai Phong has stood out for years with its persistent effort to build a “green, clean, and beautiful” learning environment. Through clubs, extracurricular models, and practical solutions, the school has gradually turned movements into sustainable practices. Principal Nguyen Minh Quy said participating in the ASEAN Eco-Schools Vietnam 2025 event was an opportunity to learn from other initiatives and seek support from experts and educators.

According to Quy, the school has actively studied different models and adapted them to fit local realities, turning each activity into a sustainable action. “With shared experience and support from agencies, organizations, and the education community, the eco-school model at Mac Dinh Chi will continue to improve and inspire other schools”, he affirmed.