If sea levels rise by an additional 1 meter by 2100, Soc Trang will be submerged over 72% of its natural area during high tides. With the desire to change the future, the “Innovation for Children” project was launched to help the community cope with climate change through smart initiatives.

The first net zero aquonic toilet in Viet Nam has arrived in Soc Trang 
Anh Tho, a student at Long Phu C Primary School in Soc Trang province, shared the difficulties that her community is facing. With over 90% of students from Khmer ethnic group and 80% of children being taken care of by their grandparents due to their parents' livelihoods in other provinces, overcoming the long and remote paths through rice fields to reach school has been a significant challenge. But Anh Tho's sharing goes beyond these difficulties and touches upon the smallest dreams for a better learning environment.

"I see that our school toilets are very dark. I want the toilets to have lights, more water, separate areas for girls and boys, and handwashing stations with soap for us to wash our hands after using the toilet", said Anh Tho. 
In Soc Trang, over 40% of schools lack clean water and proper sanitation facilities. The toilets at Anh Tho's school have deteriorated and have not been maintained, affecting the health and learning quality of the students.
 

With the aim of addressing the challenges faced by children in relation to climate change, UNICEF collaborated with the National Center for Rural Water Supply and Environmental Sanitation (NCERWASS) to assess the needs and conduct surveys in schools and communities in Soc Trang. The main objective is to improve access to clean water and environmental sanitation while upgrading and implementing renewable energy, such as solar energy, for seven schools and expanding the network for two communes’ or inter-commune water supply stations.

Long Phu C Primary School has become the first school in Viet Nam to have the net zero aquonic toilet system designed and installed, with strong support from the local government, teachers, and students. This advanced solution utilizes solar energy and treats wastewater to produce safe, germ-free water for toilet flushing, contributing to addressing issues caused by drought and saline intrusion.

During the handover ceremony, Ms. Phan Thi Anh Tuyet, CEO of Masterise Homes, shared her belief that a brighter future starts with immediate change, with a focus on improving the lives and educational quality for children. Masterise is committed to continuing its partnership with UNICEF to bring even greater value and create a sustainable future not only for children but also for the community.

Initiatives to bridge the education gap

Parallel to the application of technology in the field of clean water, the project also focuses on promoting technology and innovation in education. According to UNICEF's survey, 70% of students in Soc Trang have fewer than two books to read at home. To address this issue, the project introduced the Global Digital Library, a global initiative by UNICEF, to provide students with access to high-quality learning materials, free of charge, not only in Vietnamese but also in Khmer and sign language. Students at the School for Children with Disabilities in Soc Trang province also directly benefit from this project, helping them improve their reading comprehension skills and narrow the gap in accessing to learning resources.
 

The educational program on climate smart school not only brought knowledge enhancement for teachers and education administrators but also provided benefits for both the community and children. Students were equipped with and applied green skills along with sustainable lifestyles. Thanks to this program, over 50,000 schools nationwide have witnessed significant achievements.
 

Anh Tho and her friends are delighted because the toilets have become cleaner and safer this school year. "To maintain cleanliness, we will remind each other and the younger ones to flush after use. Moreover, we also remember to wash our hands before eating and after using the toilets.”
"Since the project started at our school, I have experienced exciting activities that give me more energy to study and bring me joy," Anh Tho enthusiastically expressed.
 

“UNICEF believes that every child deserves not just a quality education but an environment that nurtures their fullest potential. Partnering with Masterise Group, we're dedicated to empowering children and adolescents, equipping them with the education and skills, fueling opportunities and preparing them for the hard work ahead to address the climate crisis in their communities”, Rana Flowers, UNICEF Representative in Viet Nam said. 

This project also opens up great prospects for the future. UNICEF and Masterise will continue to strengthen solutions in green energy, particularly in the field of clean water and sanitation, to contribute to the goal of reducing carbon emissions. Additionally, this collaboration supports the establishment of social innovation clubs initiated by children and adolescents, aiming to develop leadership skills and adaptability suitable for the 21st century—an approach full of potential, bringing a sustainable and bright future for the younger generation.