Tiếng ViệtOn the afternoon of April 9, 2025, at Tran Nhat Duat Primary School, within the framework of the “Zero Waste School” program under the project “Developing Circular Economy Models in Hanoi,” the Paris Region International Cooperation Agency in Vietnam (PRX Vietnam) and the Center for Environment and Community Research (CECR) participated in an environmental education experience activity at the school. The “Zero Waste School” program is a series of environmental education activities designed to promote green lifestyles, raise awareness about waste segregation, and reduce food waste in schools.
The activity was attended by Ms. Nguyen Dieu Anh, Principal of Tran Nhat Duat Primary School, Hoan Kiem District; Mr. Emmanuel Cerise, Director of the Paris Region International Cooperation Agency in Vietnam (PRX Vietnam); representatives from the CECR expert team; core teachers; and students of Tran Nhat Duat Primary School.
The experiential lesson, designed for Grade 3 students, aimed to naturally and engagingly integrate environmental protection knowledge into classroom learning. Throughout the lesson, students learned about the importance of maintaining a clean, safe, and efficient kitchen. Based on this knowledge, they were encouraged to develop their own action plans. Environmental themes were incorporated throughout the lesson, including food conservation, waste reduction, and the promotion of reusable containers as alternatives to single-use plastic bags.
The activity took place in a lively atmosphere, featuring interactive games that encouraged students to identify potential safety hazards in the kitchen, participate in group discussions on proper food and equipment storage, and create “commitment flowers” outlining their personal action plans. During the session, students confidently and creatively expressed their ideas through various formats, including role-playing and poetry recitation. Through this experiential learning activity, students not only gained a better understanding of the role of the kitchen in family life but also strengthened their awareness of environmental hygiene and the importance of protecting green, clean, and beautiful living spaces through everyday actions.
Following the activity, CECR held a working session with the school to finalize plans for conducting a food waste audit and to prepare for the end-of-program event, which is expected to take place in May. CECR believes that strong collaboration among schools, organizations, and communities is essential for promoting practical actions that contribute to a more sustainable future for younger generations.
