Tiếng ViệtOn the morning of May 6, 2025, Tran Nhat Duat Primary School, in collaboration with the Paris Region International Cooperation Agency in Vietnam (PRX Vietnam) and the Center for Environment and Community Research (CECR), organized the “Zero Waste School Festival” under the theme “For a Green Future – No Food Waste.” The event was held within the framework of the pilot “Zero Waste School” program for the 2024–2025 academic year, aiming to raise awareness and foster habits of reducing food waste, thereby contributing to the development of green, clean, beautiful, and sustainable schools.
Group photo of the “Zero Waste School” Festival
The event took place at Tran Nhat Duat Primary School, located at No. 2 Cho Gao Street, Hang Buom Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, with the participation of nearly 300 students, parents, teachers, and guests. Attendees included representatives from the Hoan Kiem District Department of Education and Training, the Department of Natural Resources and Environment, the Hang Buom Ward People’s Committee, PRX Vietnam, the Center for Environment and Community Research (CECR), and environmental experts.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Emmanuel Cerise, Director of PRX Vietnam, shared: “The ‘Zero Waste School’ project has demonstrated that when we act together—from improving school waste management through waste separation at source and timely waste collection, to participating in daily zero-waste activities and raising students’ awareness about reducing food waste—every step contributes to building a sustainable future.”
Mr. Emmanuel Cerise, Director of PRX Vietnam
Ms. Nguyen Dieu Anh, Principal of Tran Nhat Duat Primary School, delivered the following message: “The ‘Zero Waste School’ program is not only a meaningful educational activity but also an opportunity for students, teachers, and parents to work together in promoting green lifestyles, developing habits of saving resources, reducing food waste, finishing meals, and protecting the environment through everyday actions. Students are not only participants but also green ambassadors spreading the message that environmental protection begins with awareness, and awareness is nurtured through every meal and every lesson.”
Ms. Nguyen Dieu Anh, Principal of Tran Nhat Duat Primary School
At the event, students, parents, and teachers who actively participated in the campaign against food waste were recognized and honored with commemorative awards and certificates for their outstanding achievements. According to waste audit data collected by CECR, after nearly five months of implementation, Tran Nhat Duat Primary School successfully reduced food waste by more than 30%. Through a series of educational activities and communication campaigns, students across different grades developed positive habits related to waste segregation, waste reduction, resource conservation, and food waste prevention within the school environment.
The festival featured a variety of meaningful activities, including artistic performances promoting environmental protection and food waste reduction, as well as student reflections on their experiences participating in the program. The event also showcased creative fashion performances using recycled materials and cultural performances that conveyed messages of sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Performances and recycled product exhibitions
In addition, a Commitment Ceremony for a Green Future was held with the participation of stakeholders, students, and parents, reaffirming their commitment to implementing solutions for waste reduction, waste separation at source, and food waste prevention.
Participants also had the opportunity to visit exhibitions featuring recycled products and environmental artwork, exchange gifts, and take part in interactive games focused on food waste reduction, plastic waste minimization, and green living practices.
