The Faculty of Environment Conducts Training Program for Lecturers on “Zero Waste Schools”

On December 12 and 13, 2024, the World Wide Fund for Nature in Vietnam (WWF-Vietnam), in collaboration with the Faculty of Environment at Van Lang University, organized a training program for lecturers and education sector officials from coastal provinces in southern Vietnam. The program aimed to raise awareness about environmental education and reduce ocean plastic waste.

With the theme “Zero Waste Schools,” the training program was designed to support the implementation of the National Action Plan on Ocean Plastic Waste Management through 2030. It sought to enhance waste management capacity, improve communication efforts, and foster behavioral changes towards plastic waste.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Thi My Dieu highlighted Van Lang University’s ongoing efforts in environmental protection, demonstrating the collective commitment of faculty, staff, and students toward achieving a zero-waste environment. She reaffirmed the university’s readiness to support lecturers in training programs aimed at fostering sustainable development.

Throughout the program, participants were introduced to three key topics: 

• The urgency of environmental education in curricula across all levels;
• Developing plans to transform and enhance schools toward the model of green schools/plastic-free schools;
• Providing materials on environmental education and ocean plastic waste reduction.

The training program consisted of three key topics and one field activity focused on observing, studying, and exchanging experiences regarding the model of a green learning environment at Duong Van Thi High School (Thu Duc City)..

• Topic 1: Introduction to environmental protection education and plastic waste reduction, presented by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Thi Kim Oanh.
• Topic 2: Overview of the educational model for plastic-free schools and its implementation in schools, led by Dr. Huynh Tan Loi.
• Topic 3: Introduction to teaching tools and guidance on implementing activities with students in schools, delivered by Dr. Tran Thu Trang.

Real-life activities such as waste sorting, campaigns to reduce plastic waste, and volunteer clean-up activities were also included in the training program, providing participants with examples to creatively incorporate into their lessons. Special focus was placed on the harmful effects of plastic waste on the environment and human health. Additionally, participants were introduced to online teaching tools such as Quizizz, Baamboozle, and Blooket to create interactive and engaging lessons for students.

Through these practical activities, the training program not only enhanced participants’ awareness of plastic waste issues but also encouraged behavioral changes within the educational community. This program aims to build a green, clean, and beautiful learning environment.

News by: Bao Ngoc - Thien Phuc
Photos by: Trung Quan, Dien Khanh