Before Tet (Lunar New Year) 2024, teachers and students of the Da Nang University of Architecture along with the Da Nang Vocational College organized a charity market with the desire to give practical gifts to children and poor families.

Students of the Le Quy Don Senior High School for the Gifted are excited to get involved in making wind turbines, and recycling paper at a Makerspace of the University of Da Nang – VN-UK Institute for Research and Executive Education (UD-VNUK).

Tracking the Path of the watershed

Students of the Ngo Quyen Senior High School have learned about the saltwater intrusion threatening the drinking water supply of residents in Da Nang for the first time. Chemical experiments have helped students to learn more about the concept and characteristics of the carrying capacity of water resources, the concepts of virtual water and water footprint in order to play their part to raise awareness on issues surrounding water resources among their local communities.

Mrs. Doan Minh Thu, the Director of VNUK’s Innovation Space, said: "Our event helps senior high school students raise their awareness about the scarcity of water resources, and the consequences of wasteful consumption. At the same time, it is expected to help them better understand environmental impacts of water use in crop production, and manufacturing activities. This event also helps open a new approach to environmental protection education for the sustainable development."

Ms. Le Huyen Trang and Mr. Do Hoang Nhon introduced practical applications of renewable power sources by engaging 25 students of the Le Quy Don High School for the Gifted in installing a wind turbine. Under the guidance of the two teachers, the students had the chance to know about working principle of wind turbine, and the important role of wind energy in sustainable development. Participating  student showcased their creativity skills in designing, assembling and optimizing their small wind turbines to power up LED lights.

More than 400 high school students in Da Nang had the opportunity to learn about issues related to climate change through STEM lessons deployed at VNUK's Innovation Space under 4 topics, namely paper recycling, plastic recycling, renewable energy (wind), and water footprint. Participating students gave their proactive ideas about environmental protection for sustainable development, such as promoting recycling to the community, and reducing paper consumption or solutions to save water in production and daily life.

Nguyen Huu Bao, a student of the Le Quy Don High School for the Gifted, said that STEM projects have helped him understand why non-renewable resources are important. Small steps taken by individuals can have a profound impact on the environment, and protect our planet.

Living a green lifestyle

Nguyen An Nhien, a fourth year student of the Da Nang University of Economics said: " Participating in a series of challenges called "One green action every day" which carried its theme of "Green Tet" launched by the school’s Youth Union organization helped me cultivate the habit of reducing the use of single-use plastic products such as straws and plastic coffee cups.

An Nhien also get involved in recycling paper that that is printed on only one side, as well as donating her old clothes instead of throwing them away. The challenges called "One green action every day" is part of the University’s project to build green university.

Nhien and his friends participated in these challenges with the initial purpose of redeeming points for a reward. However, his participation in these activities helped him explore the power of small actions and how he can contribute to a more sustainable and eco-friendly world, thereby helping him change his perception to live a green lifestyle.

Before Tet, the Le Lai Primary School located in Hai Chau District also launched a program to instill environmental awareness and promote recycling among its pupils and their parents.

In exchange for recyclable materials that the pupils collected, they received school supplies such as pens, erasers, funny stickers, among others, depending on their needs and preferences.  

The program aimed to promote environmental awareness, preservation, and sustainability. Through this program, students from the Le Lai Primary School had the chance to receive school supplies in exchange for recyclable materials such as newspapers, cardboard, plastic bottles and caps, papers, and cans.

Reporting by HA TRAN – Translating by H.L