Save the Children: National Strategy 2025–2027 – Innovation for Future of Vietnamese Children
	Save the Children - 35 Years of Nurturing Brighter Future for Vietnamese Children

Small change today

On October 13, 2024, more than 150 students from Tam Giang Secondary School in Nam Can District, Ca Mau Province, took part in the Golden Bell Competition in response to the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (October 13). The competition centered on practical knowledge, including climate change, drought, saltwater intrusion, and adaptation solutions. The students’ enthusiasm and the lively atmosphere highlighted how creative educational approaches can effectively engage children with environmental issues.

Students of Tam Giang Secondary School enthusiastically participated in the Golden Bell Competition in response to the International Day for Disaster Reduction (October 13).

The contest was part of the "Forest for Children" project, organized by the Save the Children in coordination with the People's Committee of Nam Can District (Ca Mau). Its goal is to equip students with knowledge and help them understand that climate change is not a distant issue but a reality embedded in daily life.

“Through extracurricular classes, students have begun making changes such as saving electricity and water, reducing the use of nylon bags, sorting waste, and recycling bottles. Many small actions, when combined, can lead to significant change and help promote a green lifestyle within the community,” shared Truong Huynh Nhut, a teacher at Tam Giang Secondary School and a member of the contest’s Organizing Committee.

According to Nguyen Hong Mo, Chairwoman of the People's Committee of Tam Giang Commune, the "Forest for Children" project not only imparts knowledge but also encourages mangrove planting to protect the community from natural disasters. These efforts help reduce soil erosion and stabilize livelihoods through shrimp farming models under the forest canopy. In August 2024, 15,000 mangrove trees were planted in shrimp farms of 21 households, along with 70,000 trees planted along canals, creating a “green shield” to safeguard the community from the impacts of natural disasters.

Notably, the project also supports sustainable livelihoods by guiding residents in applying ecological shrimp farming practices and connecting them with businesses to ensure product value.

“The project not only supports livelihoods but also inspires children and the community to unite in protecting mangrove forests. This is a long-term initiative aimed at reducing disaster risks and building a safer, more sustainable Tam Giang,” emphasized the Chairwoman of the Tam Giang Commune People's Committee.

Contribute to a Sustainable Future

Beyond the “Forests for Children” project, Save the Children has, over the past 35 years, implemented numerous impactful programs and initiatives aimed at enhancing the resilience and adaptive capacity of children and communities to climate change and natural disaster risks. Each project and activity is driven by a shared goal: to build a strong foundation that empowers both current and future generations to proactively confront and overcome the challenges posed by climate change and natural disasters.

People of Tam Giang commune participate in planting mangrove trees along the Cai Ngay river. (Photo: Save the Children).

According to the organization’s report, from 2014 to 2024, Save the Children implemented 13 emergency aid projects, supporting hundreds of thousands of people in overcoming storms, floods, droughts, and landslides. The support programs were diverse, ranging from cash assistance to help people purchase essential supplies, to the provision of learning equipment, infrastructure improvements, enhanced sanitation and clean water facilities for schools, and the restoration of livelihoods after natural disasters. This support not only helped communities quickly stabilize their lives but also laid the foundation for greater resilience, especially among children, against the impacts of climate change.

Not stopping at helping people recover from natural disasters, Save the Children also focuses on empowering communities to proactively protect themselves. Programs such as developing disaster forecast maps, conducting training sessions, and organizing emergency response drills play a vital role in strengthening prevention and preparedness, particularly for children. These activities not only provide practical knowledge but also encourage active community participation, contributing to the development of a more sustainable and resilient society in the face of climate change and natural disasters. This reflects the organization’s ongoing commitment to building resilience for both the younger generation and the wider community.

However, Nguyen Hai Dang, Technical Advisor on Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation at Save the Children pointed out that many children still have limited access to knowledge and practical skills to respond to natural disasters and climate change. Education on these topics in schools remains inconsistent, lacks standardized materials, and is often theoretical rather than practice-based. These are challenges the organization is determined to address through specific, locally tailored programs suited to the needs of each community.

Build a green future with children

“Children need to be equipped with comprehensive skills to protect themselves and support the community,” Dang emphasized, “These skills include identifying risks and natural hazards, planning to respond to emergency situations such as first aid, escape and finding a safe place; Using natural resources effectively and sustainably such as saving water, protecting forests; managing psychology and emotions to overcome stress, and quickly reintegrating into life after a natural disaster.”

Children in Nam Can District take part in an activity where they exchange mangrove fruits for delightful gifts. These collected fruits are then planted by local residents in shrimp ponds. Shrimp farming under the mangrove canopy serves as the primary livelihood for households in Nam Can District. (Photo: Save the Children)

Save the Children aims to replicate the Safe Schools and Green Schools model, where children play a central role in assessing risks, planning, and implementing actions to respond to natural disasters and climate change. The organization also proposes the establishment of local climate change education centers and the development of technology-based programs to help children quickly access weather updates and disaster warnings, enabling them and their families to be more proactive in preparing for risks.

A key focus of the organization is to strengthen the role of girls and other vulnerable groups in developing solutions to address climate change and natural disasters. Encouraging the participation of girls not only brings fresh, creative perspectives but also promotes equity in access to education and opportunities for climate action.

At the same time, Save the Children has launched communication campaigns and supported small-scale projects initiated by children to amplify their voices in decision-making related to environmental protection, disaster response, and climate change adaptation. Although the Government has issued the National Climate Change Adaptation Plan (NAP) and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC), the role of children has yet to be adequately recognized.

Promote Children’s Voices – Invest in a Sustainable Future

Le Thi Thanh Huong, Chief Representative of Save the Children in Vietnam, emphasized:

“Climate change is a cross-generational crisis. Children are the most severely affected group and an also the important agent for long-term solutions. In the next phase of the strategy, we commit to continue to invest heavily in children’s education and participation in climate solutions – not only to protect them from natural disasters, but also to give them the capacity, voice and role in building a green, sustainable future for themselves and their communities.”

Promoting Rights of Disadvantaged Children and Adolescents in Vietnam From children’s forums to initiatives supporting children with disabilities, those living in disadvantaged areas, and gender-diverse youth, Save the Children is contributing to positive change ...

Save the Children - 35 Years of Nurturing Brighter Future for Vietnamese Children With more than a century of global operations and 35 years of presence in Vietnam, Save the Children (SC) has remained steadfast in its mission: ...