To educate students about environmental protection, the education sector has put forth the target of establishing the ecological education system in schools, a part of the programme called “Friendly schools, active students” initiated by the Ministry of Education and Training for the 2008 - 2013 period. Activities involving school environmental protection play an important role in raising children’s awareness of environmental protection, helping them identify the importance of the environment to social life as well as the global ecosystem. Making schools green is an important environmental education content of the Vietnamese education system. This programme will contribute significantly to the common environmental protection of mankind.
Children make up nearly a half of the population in many developing countries. In both developed and industrialised nations, children are vulnerable due to environmental degradation.
Young people account for a third of the world's population and they need to have a voice in determining their future. Their active role in environmental protection and participation in environment and development decisions are crucial to the long-term success of Agenda 21. (Agenda 21 at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development - Earth Summit - held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992)
Making schools green must be fully understood as “Green - clean - beautiful at schools.” It is diverse, but very specific.
Among school greening criteria, the construction of green zones at schools catches the most attention, under criteria put forth by the Ministry of Education and Training.
An official from the ministry said under the green school criteria, about 60 % of schools qualify, mainly high schools, particularly newly built units. Green zones require not only land plots, but also space. Multi-storey buildings can plant flowers along corridors, bonsai and climbers. In recent years, more green trees are planted in school campuses. However, the quality of green zones is very low as there are limited flowers and medicinal herbs for visual practice or teaching
Depending on areas and terrains, each school can apply different models. Starting with the goal of environment protection education, establishing ecosystems at schools is important, starting with planting trees. This is one simple and visual environmental protection activity which allows students to actively participate.
In the past time, some primary schools have excellently applied the school - garden model. However, as the fund for greening is not included in the school operating budget, it is raised from students’ parents. With flexible approaches, many schools have built green park-like campuses. Many schools have worked with environmental companies to supply, plant and tend the green zone at schools. This is a cost-effective approach for many schools.
Do Ngoc
Vietnamese
