One of the fundamental causes of natural disasters, environmental crises, and pandemics,... is environmental pollution and climate change. Therefore, environmental protection for sustainable development is a major concern for many countries, including Vietnam.

Ho Chi Minh City Open University is an educational institution that consistently prioritizes its responsibility to the community, always striving for societal development and aiming for sustainable development. Among its core missions, educating students about environmental protection awareness is identified as a focal point. Accordingly, numerous practical and effective activities aimed at enhancing students' awareness and actions are encouraged and organized by the university, involving students from various levels and programs.

With hundreds of international students from countries such as France, Laos, Cambodia, the Philippines, Malaysia, etc., at various academic levels, including undergraduate and master's degrees. We take pride in having a diverse and dynamic international student community, who are not only diligent in their studies but also actively participate in volunteer activities for the community. Environmental protection initiatives are also integral to their involvement.

Green Campus to Nourish Happiness 

Planting trees is not only a temporary measure but also a long-term race against environmental pollution and the greenhouse effect. This will be truly effective if we incorporate practice into our lives and school environment. Understanding the importance of "green lungs" in life, French students excitedly participated in the tree planting event at the Community Bookcase at 97 Vo Van Tan, District 3.

International students and Vietnamese students join hands to plant trees for the community bookshelves at Võ Văn Tần Campus

The activity creates opportunities for international students to interact and integrate with Vietnamese students in general. At the same time, they will join hands to create a fresh space at the bookshelf to help people enjoy reading in a more relaxing way and make the campus atmosphere fresher and more airy, reducing fatigue and stress after a long day of studying and working.

The Open Run - Act for the Environment

Another initiative is "The Open Run", an annual cross-city race organized by the university to promote physical fitness, sportsmanship, and environmental awareness among students and staff. More than 2,000 people participate, including active involvement from international students, spreading the message of environmental protection and personal health improvement.

The Open Run 2023 with the theme of "Act for the Environment" has attracted the participation of OU learners, staff, high school students from Marie Curie High School, Nguyen Thi Dieu High School, and officials from various organizations in District 3.

Cleaning the Ditch - Clearing the Flow 

Additionally, international students join local volunteers in "Green Summer" campaigns to clean up waterways and collect waste in Thu Duc City. Their enthusiastic participation contributes to building a cleaner and greener environment, enhancing environmental awareness.

Volunteers showcased the true spirit of global cooperation, coming together from Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, France in the Green Campaign in Linh Đông Ward, Thủ Đức city.

Apart from environmental activities, Ho Chi Minh City Open University also facilitates international students' participation in community service projects. With the motto "Living responsibly - Volunteering for the community," international students at Ho Chi Minh City Open University strive to contribute to a better living environment for themselves, their friends, and the community where they live and study.