Joining Hands to Raise Environmental Awareness through the International Course "Building Green Communities with Environmental NGOs"

From June 2 to June 6, 2025, the International Student Support Center of Van Lang University (VLU) collaborated with a student delegation from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) to organize the course “Building Green Communities with Environmental NGOs” for students of both universities. The program aimed to raise awareness and promote behavioral change among students in reducing household solid waste, with a special focus on food waste.

During the course, the students from both universities participated in games reflecting the traditional cultural identities of their respective countries and regions. These activities allowed them to learn more about each other’s cultures and fostered a spirit of unity in an international educational environment. A highlight of the program was a series of interactive games centered around the theme of food waste.

According to statistics, Vietnam wastes approximately 8.8 million tons of food annually, equivalent to 30kg per person annually. In response, students from PolyU designed interactive games that offered in-depth analysis and proposed practical solutions to help communities identify and adjust unhealthy eating habits in daily life. After each game, participants completed a survey to reflect their personal insights and level of understanding, laying the foundation for positive and lasting behavioral change toward responsible food consumption.

Throughout the international course “Building Green Communities with Environmental NGOs”, conducted online in March and in person in June, the students gained valuable and practical knowledge about food waste and were inspired to adopt a green and sustainable lifestyle. At the conclusion of the course, the students gave presentations attended by representatives from the Hong Kong Business Association Vietnam and Circle K convenience store chain.

During the closing session, the students presented their research findings and creative solutions aimed at changing public awareness and behaviors surrounding food waste, one of today’s most pressing environmental issues. Presentation groups analyzed the current state of pollution and food waste in Vietnam, pinpointed root causes and consequences, identified affected parties, and clarified the connection between consumer habits, individual behaviors, and their impact on the global food value chain. Based on their findings, they proposed practical solutions that could be implemented at individual, household, and community levels. Some groups even developed detailed action plans, including communication campaigns, educational initiatives, sustainable consumption encouragement, and partnerships with environmental NGOs. 

The course outcomes demonstrate Van Lang University’s pioneering spirit in promoting education for sustainable development and strengthening international collaboration in building a greener future for the younger generation.

News: Que Anh - Phuong Thao
Photos: Trung Quan - Huu Khang