Save the Children is committed to bringing climate education into schools, helping students understand how climate change affects their wellbeing and their future. Through courses and a wide range of activities, we inspire young people to engage with climate issues and encourage them to take practical action — together creating a more sustainable and healthier environment for children to grow up in.
Climate change is affecting communities around the world. In recent years, extreme weather events have become more frequent, disrupting daily life and posing risks to community health. In Quảng Trị Province, Vietnam, 13-year-old Băng has experienced these impacts as part of everyday life: sudden heatwaves, storms and flooding often interrupt daily routines and sometimes affect schooling and outdoor activities, while air pollution has also contributed to respiratory problems among many children.
Learning About Climate Change, Broadening Young People’s Horizons
Băng used to think climate change simply meant unusual weather. Whenever storms and heavy rain hit, she lacked the confidence and courage to cope with unexpected disasters. It was only after Save the Children introduced climate education at her school and helped establish a Climate Change Club that Băng began to understand climate change and its impacts through learning activities and field visits.
Curious about climate issues, Băng actively participated in activities such as debates on environmental topics, tree-planting and field visits. These experiences allowed her to see the impacts of climate change first-hand, make new friends, and broaden her horizons — strengthening her determination to bring what she learned in the club with her school and family so that more people could understand climate issues.
Spreading the Message Through Action, Youth Driving Change
Băng decided to lead by example — cleaning areas near her classroom during breaks, watering plants, and reminding classmates to keep the environment clean. With the learning and practice opportunities provided by the programme, she helped the Climate Change Club set up a “Green Corner” at school, joined environmental activities, and created awareness materials to promote knowledge of green energy and environmental protection to her classmates. She also hosted the school’s “Green School for a Sustainable Future” Communication Fair, sharing ideas about sustainable development with various student clubs. Along the way, she connected with other young people who care about climate issues and expanded her social circle. At home, she also put her values into practice — sorting food waste, reducing electricity use, reusing plastic bottles, and encouraging her family to do the same. She shared, “With the guidance and opportunities for learning the project gave me, I have become more confident and responsible.” Băng feels proud to see people around her gradually change their habits. “I am proud because I did not choose to stand aside. I chose to take part in the journey to change the future of our planet,” she said.
The programme not only strengthens young people’s awareness of climate risks and environmental protection, but also nurtures a new generation with initiative and a sense of social responsibility — helping them become advocates for change and supporting communities in moving towards a healthier and more sustainable future.