Like many coastal areas in Vietnam, Cu Lao Dung is facing a growing challenge of single-use plastic waste. Ocean currents bring additional plastic debris to the island, while limited waste management systems further compound the problem. As a result, environmental pollution not only affects the landscape but also increases health risks for local communities.
While strengthening climate resilience remains a core priority, we recognize that lasting change begins with awareness — and with behaviour. Schools are therefore becoming powerful spaces for transformation.
To spark meaningful change, a child-led core group has been established through a participatory approach that values children’s voices and leadership. Guided by principles of voluntarism, equality, diversity, and inclusion, students either self-nominate or are represented across grades and genders.
The group meets quarterly, facilitated by a core teacher who acts as a mentor rather than a director. In each session, students select topics related to climate change, environmental protection, gender, or inclusion. Together, they brainstorm ideas, design activities, and propose initiatives to the school management board.
Importantly, their actions extend beyond classroom discussions. Students lead awareness campaigns, encourage peers to reduce single-use plastics, and organise practical activities such as plastic waste collection drives. Through peer-to-peer communication, they inspire wider change within the school and surrounding community.
These students are not simply participants — they are change agents.
A highlight activity is the four-week plastic waste audit involving Grades 1–5. Students tracked and recorded their weekly plastic use and analysed the data.
This hands-on approach transformed abstract lessons into real-life action. They understand their personal environmental footprint and reflect on their consumption habits.
Through practical learning and student leadership, schools in Cu Lao Dung are nurturing a new generation of environmentally conscious citizens — young change agents shaping a cleaner and more resilient future.
