Students of some primary schools in the capital are now learning how to classify waste as part of a programme to educate students about the environment.
According to a proposal made by the city’s Department of Education and Training, the environment protection syllabus has been in effect since early October, 2008 for third and fourth grade students in three primary schools in Hanoi.
The programme is co-organised by the city’s People’s Committee, the Hanoi Urban Environment Company and the Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA).
Some 400 students in Thanh Cong A, Thanh Cong B and Nam Thanh Cong schools have been learning about the 3R model: Reduce - Reuse - Recycle every Tuesday and Friday since early October, 2008.
Six lessons are included in the programme: the current situation of waste in Hanoi, the different kinds of waste, the 3R model, how to classify waste at home, at school and in the community.
"Students are quite eager with the lessons, because we also use a tool kit during the class, including dustbins, books, pictures of waste, which make lessons more interesting for them," said Nguyen Bich Lien, a teacher of Nam Thanh Cong Primary School.
The programme influences parents as well, who get involved in the campaign while talking to their children.
Nguyen Minh Quang, a third-grade student of Nam Thanh Cong Primary School, showed great curiosity about the issue, coming home with many questions for his father.
"He keeps on asking me what is organic and inorganic waste, urging me to call 1080, the city’s consultation line, and search the Internet for such concepts," said Nguyen Minh Thang, Quang’s father.
"Before I knew it, I found myself understand more about 3R," said Thang.