Special environmental ambassadors
On the morning of January 31, in Hanoi, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment organized the Award Ceremony for ASEAN Vietnam Eco-School 2025 - School without plastic waste.
Speaking at the award ceremony, Deputy Minister Le Cong Thanh affirmed that the award is an initiative of great significance within the framework of ASEAN environmental cooperation, contributing to promoting environmental education and building green and sustainable school models in the region.
Emphasizing the theme "Schools without plastic waste" of the 2025 Award, Deputy Minister Le Cong Thanh said that this is a topical topic, directly contributing to solving one of the urgent environmental challenges today. Plastic waste is not just a simple environmental problem, but also a community responsibility issue, requiring the participation of the whole society, especially the young generation.
Choosing schools, teachers and students as the center of action shows a long-term vision, because education and early behavior change are the key to a green and sustainable future.
The Deputy Minister especially emphasized the role of students - the future owners of the country in directly participating, initiating and spreading environmental protection actions.
According to the Deputy Minister, the students are not only implementers, but also "environmental ambassadors", contributing to positively inspiring families and communities. On this occasion, on behalf of the leaders of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, Deputy Minister Le Cong Thanh congratulated the schools that won the ASEAN Vietnam Ecological School Award in 2025, and acknowledged and praised the contributions of teachers, students and localities throughout the Award implementation process.
Typical recycling models
Ms. Nong Thuy Ha - Chairwoman of the Council of Tay Ha Noi Primary and Secondary School - affirmed that the ASEAN Ecological School title is not only a source of pride but also an important milestone in the school's journey to build sustainable values.
In the process of building the ASEAN Ecological School model, Tay Ha Noi Primary and Secondary School has implemented many systematic and differentiated solutions. The school not only focuses on environmental protection but also aims to reuse and extend the life cycle of products, especially plastic waste. Plastic bottles and used items are collected, recycled and reused creatively and effectively.
Notably, even organic waste from students' daily meals is treated and recycled into fertilizer for green trees in the school grounds. This method creates a closed ecological cycle, helping students understand that each product is valuable if used properly. Through this, students form a mindset of saving resources, respecting the environment and becoming more aware of their responsibilities to the green planet.
The "Rebirth" project implemented by FPT Bac Giang Inter-level School is one of the typical environmental education models, built with the goal of turning waste into resources, while forming a green living awareness for students through practical experience activities.
Ms. Do Thi Trang - Biology teacher, FPT Bac Giang Inter-level School, in charge of the project - said that from small but practical actions such as collecting plastic bottles and waste paper, the project encourages students to participate in sorting waste at source, recycling scrap into useful products such as green plant pots, school supplies, and decorations. In particular, the "Exchange waste for green plants" model has attracted the enthusiastic participation of students, helping them understand that every action that is right for the environment can bring positive value.
According to Ms. Trang, the highlight of "Rebirth" is the integration of environmental education into the curriculum, helping students not only "know" but also "do", gradually forming the habit of saving resources, reducing waste and protecting the environment right from daily life. The project does not stop at school grounds but also spreads to families and communities, contributing to building a sustainable lifestyle for the young generation.
In 2025, 60 schools received the ASEAN Vietnam Ecological School Award (including 3 first prizes, 9 second prizes, 15 third prizes, 24 consolation prizes, 9 creative prizes). Among them, 3 schools were awarded first prizes, including: Ha An Primary School (Ha An ward, Quang Ninh province); Tay Ha Noi Primary and Secondary School (Xuan Phuong ward, Hanoi city); FPT Bac Giang Primary, Secondary and High School (Bac Giang ward, Bac Ninh province).
