Viet My School: A model for green and sustainable 'eco-schools'

Within the framework of the workshop titled "Connecting, Training, and Sharing Experiences on ASEAN Eco-Schools - Zero Plastic Waste Schools," delegates visited Viet My School on the afternoon of October 8. Located in Thien Loc Residential Area, Cai Rang, Can Tho City, the school secured the first prize in the ASEAN Vietnam Eco-Schools Award 2024.

Ms. Le Thi Thanh Hang, Vice Principal of Viet My School, shared that the school has implemented numerous initiatives to improve air quality and increase green coverage across the campus. Notably, the school grounds are lush with shade trees and flower gardens maintained by students and teachers. Greenery is also strategically placed in classrooms and offices, creating a pleasant and airy learning environment. These green spaces not only enhance the scenery but also contribute to mental well-being, providing a sense of relaxation for both students and teachers.

To realize the vision of a green learning and recreational space, the school organizes creative, hands-on activities such as recycling plastic waste and other materials into classroom decorations, and planting trees in recycled plastic bottles. Art and natural science teachers guide students in designing functional, aesthetically pleasing, and environmentally friendly products. Furthermore, the school encourages students to reduce single-use plastic bags, replacing them with eco-friendly alternatives, and integrates environmental protection into various lessons.

Nguyen Bao Tram, a student in class 7A3 at Viet My High School, shared her personal efforts to protect the environment: at home, she recycles plastic bottles into flowerpots or reuses them repeatedly. She also uses dried grass to make paper or storage bags and coffee grounds to make soap, and recycles milk packaging into plastic. “Before this, I didn't pay much attention to environmental issues, but through the lessons from my teachers, I have learned more and feel a sense of responsibility to protect the environment and contribute to a greener, cleaner, and more beautiful world,” Tram stated.

Professor Dr. Nguyen Thi Kim Cuc, a member of the ASEAN Eco-School competition Judging Council, shared: When Viet My School was selected as the first-prize winner, the judging panel relied on the documents and content submitted by the school. Visiting the school now, it is clear that they are not just implementing activities for a competition but are sustaining and developing the initiatives.

“Stepping into the school and seeing the students' products and the passion of the teachers, we feel that last year’s decision was appropriate. This is not just a competition; it is a long-term journey. The school has launched many initiatives to deepen students' understanding and participation in environmental protection and the building of an eco-school. The organizing committee is confident that this competition will not end here but will become a cultural movement within schools,” Professor Dr. Nguyen Thi Kim Cuc affirmed.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Tran Le, Principal of Huu Thanh Secondary School (Vinh Xuan Commune, Vinh Long Province), who attended the training session and visited Viet My School, shared her perspective: “Coming here, I realized that the concept of an eco-school is not an abstract, immense goal, but something very close and friendly. The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has paid great attention to the education sector and has such an excellent program, which motivates us to achieve the educational goals of the 2018 General Education Program. Our school also has clubs and youth teams that collect plastic waste, implement small projects, and create various items. We found the training session very useful and plan to apply it at our school.”

The ASEAN Vietnam Eco-Schools Award 2025 is assigned by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment to the Vietnam Agriculture and Nature News for coordination with relevant agencies, units, and the Fund for a Green Future. The award is more than just a title; it creates a sustainable foundation for combating plastic waste, transforming every student into a genuine environmental ambassador.