A new method in environmental education is being widely implemented across many schools in Hanoi as well as some other areas. The green lessons, mostly carried out outdoors, aim to increase environmental awareness among elementary pupils.
This is one of the activities in the “Green lesson” program for pupils from Grade 3A, Lieu Giai Primary School. In the physical education class, the pupils are guided how to classify waste fast and correctly.
“Are you a pupil? Do you want to have more interesting classes to learn about protecting the environment?” These are the questions raised by 5A Grade pupils in a geography class which is also part of “Green Lesson” program. Joining this program, pupils learn more about continents and countries in the world and raise their opinions about environmental protection.
Nguyen Thi Mai Huong, Teacher, Lieu Giai Primary School said “There are many lessons that pupils can learn about the environment and they are very keen on. Studies have improved and now they all know that a clean environment makes them study better. These green lesson is very necessary”.
Thanks to the success of the program, the Centre for Education and Development has supported many areas such as Khanh Hoa and Ho Chi Minh City to take part in the programme.
“The centre has supported many schools to improve their lessons such as upgrading school gardens and encourages teachers to have more outside classes. So pupils can have a better understanding about the natural environment,” said To Kim Lien, Director, Centre for Education and Development
One of the key factors in environmental protection in Vietnam is to enhance awareness among society, especially teenagers. If every individual realized what they do can affect the environment in the future, the solution for environmental protection could easily be solved.
Vietnam and UK Agree to Tighten Bilateral Ties
The United Kingdom’s foreign secretary William Hague said Vietnam is a country with vast potential and a key friend of the United Kingdom in South East Asia. The foreign secretary made the statement in Hanoi after his 3-day visit to Vietnam.
At the press conference with his Vietnamese counterpart Pham Binh MInh, the UK foreign secretary expressed his honour to come to Vietnam. This is the 1st visit of a foreign secretary of United Kingdom to Vietnam in 17 years. Hague stressed that the Strategic Partnership signed signed in 2010 by the UK and Vietnam demonstrates the UK’s commitment to working with Vietnam both bilaterally and in the wider regional. Vietnam plays an increasingly important role on the global stage.
Hague emphasised that the bilateral trade turnover between the 2 countries increased 30% in 2011. On behalf of UK ’s government, the foreign secretary made a commitment to further tighten the relationship between the 2 countries in economics, education and culture. The 2 ministers agreed to celebrate the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the UK and Vietnam in 2013.
The UK is one of Vietnam’s eighth Strategic Partners and Britain’s direct investment into Vietnam reached 2.5 billion USD in 2011. Vietnam is now among 12 high-growth and emerging markets in Asia that the British businesses are keen to promote trade with. Phuong Huyen, Vietnam Television, Hanoi.