The ‘green school’ model, which has been applied effectively at Da Nang’s primary schools since 2015, not only benefits pupils’ general health, but also raises their awareness of environmental protection. 

In the middle of the Ngo May school’s yard is ‘Hon Non Bo’, the Vietnamese art of making miniature landscapes, imitating the scenery of the islands, mountains and surrounding environment as found in nature,

Under the meaningful model, a large number of trees have been planted on primary schools’ campuses to cool the baking atmosphere there. 

The Ngu Hanh Son District-based Pham Hong Thai Primary School, for instance, has applied the model in an effective manner, in which its spacious playground is surrounded by trees of varying shades of green.

Despite the scorching climate, this school features a cool and refreshing atmosphere as its spacious yard is shaded by rows of dramatic, tropical almond and flamboyant trees, which partly makes the venue more beautiful.  Also, sets of outdoor tables became shaded sanctuaries for pupils to relax on or use for extracurricular activities. 

The school’s pupils feel very comfortable whilst reading books under the shade of trees during their break times.  Likewise, teachers also like correcting their pupils’ exam papers or preparing lesson plans in such a comfortable environment.

Besides, the school has also launched ‘Green Sunday’ campaign, which features a wide range of meaningful activities.  Included are eloquences, painting competitions, and fashion shows featuring garments made from recycled materials, all of them really help to encourage pupils to practise their good habit of protecting the environment.

To date, 5 primary schools in Ngu Hanh Son District have been recognised as ‘green schools’, namely Le Ba Trinh, Nguyen Duy Trinh, Pham Hong Thai, Tran Quang Dieu and Le Lai.

With the shade provided by the trees, pupils can play freely without worrying about catching sunstroke. 

In particular, thanks to the ‘green school’ model, pupils at local primary schools could learn how to grow and take care of trees themselves to keep them in the healthiest condition as one of their extracurricular activities, alongside lessons about protecting the environment in their classes. 

In fact, by taking care of the trees themselves, pupils can increase their affection towards plants as well as raising their awareness of protecting the environment.  In particular, they consider their schools to be their second homes.

Teacher Nguyen Dinh Hoa, the Principal of the Ngo Gia Tu Primary School, highlighted the significance of the model as it creates a truly green educational environment for both teachers and pupils.

Year 4 pupil Nguyen Quang Huy from the Son Tra District-based Ngo May Primary School eagerly said he likes going to school because this place is very clean and airy.  The little boy shows his keen interest in playing with his schoolmates during their break times in a green and healthy environment.

Meanwhile, a large number of trees are being planted on the campuses of junior and senior high schools in active response to the ongoing landmark project for building Da Nang into environmentally-friendly city.