Basic Module on Environmental Protection, Energy and Resource Efficiency Integrated into All Curricula at VCMI

DONG NAI – With support from the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) and the Directorate of Vocational Education and Training (DVET) in advancing the concept of “Greening the TVET system to meet the labor demands of a green economy,” the College of Machinery and Irrigation (VCMI) has successfully developed and implemented a basic module titled “Environmental Protection, Energy and Resource Efficiency”

This “Green Module” equips students with essential basic knowledge and skills in environmental protection, laying the groundwork for the economical and efficient use of resources and energy, as well as the proper management of waste and hazardous substances. Simultaneously, it aims to enhance students’ environmental awareness, fostering a green lifestyle in their studies, daily activities, and future professional careers.

Since 2019, the module has been a compulsory foundational subject in the training programs for all occupations at VCMI. Through its lessons, students learn about fundamental concepts related to resources, energy, waste, and hazardous materials; the environmental impacts of improper resource and energy exploitation on human life, future generations, and sustainable development ; the effects of unhealthy lifestyles on the environment ; and particularly the consequences of improper waste and hazardous substance management. This knowledge serves to promote and disseminate positive actions towards building a green lifestyle in society.

To deliver engaging and effective lessons, VCMI lecturers employ active teaching methods such as discussion, group work, and experiential practice. etc.

A key feature of the module’s implementation at VCMI is the integration of practical field surveys and constructive project assignments. Students work in small groups to conduct direct surveys within college departments based on self-selected topics like waste management, efficient energy and resource use, chemical management, or the use of electricity, water, and paper in offices. Each group assigns specific tasks (interviewing, photographing, note-taking, discussing) to complete the survey, present their findings, and propose solutions to address identified shortcomings. Furthermore, the constructive project assignments allow students to implement their ideas, linking them to their vocational skills practice and contributing to broader societal awareness of environmental protection.

This approach enables VCMI students to develop teamwork and soft skills while acquiring core environmental protection knowledge. The spacious, green, clean, and attractive learning environment at VCMI itself serves as a testament to the success of the module. Each student becomes an ambassador, spreading the spirit of environmental protection, sustainable green living, and practical actions to friends, family, and the wider community.

To translate awareness into action, VCMI has organized numerous meaningful environmental activities for its faculty, staff, and students, including campaigns like “Green Lifestyle,” “Reduce Plastic Waste,” “Green Friday,” as well as projects such as the “Waste Audit” and “Waste Sorting at the Source”. These initiatives have received enthusiastic support and active participation from the entire college community. VCMI is actively striving towards a “green” and energy-efficient vocational training environment, contributing significantly to environmental protection.

 SOME ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION CAMPAIGNS LAUNCHED BY VCMI:

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