The first school in Vietnam has zero-emission toilets

Soc Trang Long Phu C Primary School is the first school to have zero-emission toilets, powered by clean energy from solar panels.

Accordingly, the toilet system at this school can turn wastewater into safe, bacteria-free water for reuse for toilet flushing purposes, contributing to solving problems caused by drought and saltwater intrusion.

Representatives of UNICEF and Masterise attended classes under the Innovation for Children project during the trip to Soc Trang in November 2023. — Representatives of UNICEF and Masterise attended classes under the Innovation for Children project during a trip to Soc Trang in November 2023. Photo: *UNICEF Vietnam*

Improving school toilet systems is one of many activities within the framework of "Innovation for Children" - a cooperation project between Masterise Group and UNICEF to improve the living environment and enhance the qualityof education for children affected by climate change.

Schools with zero-emission toilets — The first initiatives in the "Innovation for Children" project have taken shape in Soc Trang. Video : *Masterise Group*

Soc Trang was selected as the first pilot locality, after UNICEF collaborated with the National Center for Rural Water Supply and Sanitation to conduct a needs assessment and survey of schools and communities there.

The main objectives of this activity are to improve access to clean water and sanitation, while upgrading and applying renewable energy, such as solar energy, to seven schools and expanding the network for two commune or inter-commune water supply stations.

UNICEF staff and local representatives install zero-emission toilet equipment. Photo: UNICEF Viet Nam — UNICEF staff and local representatives install zero-emission toilet equipment. Photo: *UNICEF Viet Nam*

Anh Tho, a student at Long Phu C Primary School, said that the school's restrooms used to be very dark. She wanted the restrooms to have lights, more water, separate areas for boys and girls, and soap for the hand-washing area... "When we were able to use the new restrooms, we were very happy because the area became clean and safe," the female student said.

In fact, in Soc Trang, more than 40% of schools do not have clean water and hygienic facilities, affecting the health and learning quality of students.
“Working with Masterise Group, we are committed to equipping children with the necessary skills, creating opportunities and preparing them to face the challenges ahead to address the climate crisis in their communities,” added Ms. Rana Flower, UNICEF Representative in Vietnam.

In addition to applying technology to clean water, the project also focuses on promoting technology and innovation in education. According to a UNICEF survey, 70% of students in Soc Trang have less than two books to read at home. To address this problem, the project introduces the Global Digital Library, providing students with access to high-quality, free learning materials not only in Vietnamese but also in Khmer and sign language.

Accordingly, students at the School for Children with Disabilities in Soc Trang province also directly benefit from this project, helping them improve their reading comprehension and narrow the gap in learning resources.

Representatives of UNICEF and Masterise participated in educational activities and experienced the Global Digital Library initiative, which was first introduced by UNICEF in Soc Trang. Photo: *UNICEF Vietnam*

The Climate Smart Education Framework not only enhances the knowledge of teachers and education administrators, but also benefits the community and children. Students are equipped with and apply green skills and sustainable lifestyles.

"Since the project at school, my friends and I have experienced many interesting activities, have more energy to study, and have more fun," Anh Tho added.

Through learning and playing activities, students at Long Phu C Primary School learn about the environment, hygiene and climate change. Photo: *UNICEF Vietnam*

UNICEF and Masterise Group said they will continue to promote green energy solutions, especially in the water and sanitation sector, to contribute to the goal of reducing carbon emissions. The units will establish a social innovation club initiated by children and adolescents, aiming to develop leadership skills and flexibility suitable for the 21st century for the young generation.

"Innovation for Children" is a project under the "Build A Better Future" sustainable community development program implemented by Masterise Group in April 2022. In phase one of the project, activities are currently being piloted within Soc Trang province and have achieved certain successes, laying the foundation for the following phases. The project aims to empower 34,700 children and adolescents to become agents of change through climate action initiatives; help 20,000 people and children access clean water, and 130,000 people access services and information on clean water and sanitation.

The Dan

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