Nam Can Tho University (NCTU) places significant emphasis on student and youth union activities, aligning them with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations.
NCTU students regularly engage in community-focused programs such as Volunteer Youth Campaigns, Green Summer Campaigns, and Green Sundays. These activities are carried out with great enthusiasm and a strong sense of social responsibility. Their efforts have been recognized through various prestigious awards, including the titles “Five-Good Student” and “Outstanding Student” awards at various levels. Additionally, extracurricular activities organized by NCTU students significantly impact community education, mental health, and environmental conservation, contributing meaningfully to the UN’s 17 SDGs
Gift-giving and support for vulnerable communities
Every year, NCTU students organize activities to distribute gifts, heartfelt wishes, and words of encouragement to homeless individuals, low-income workers, and other disadvantaged groups during holidays and festivals. Though modest, these gifts carry deep sentiments, fostering hope and resilience among recipients facing daily challenges. These acts of compassion not only address immediate needs but also inspire positivity and motivation. Furthermore, NCTU students conduct drowning prevention campaigns for children, incorporating games and distributing life jackets to enhance safety awareness. These initiatives protect young lives while promoting a spirit of responsibility and community service among students.
In collaboration with local authorities, NCTU students have organized English teaching programs combined with summer activities for schoolchildren. Designed to make English learning engaging and accessible, these sessions include interactive activities such as practicing conversational skills, learning vocabulary through visuals, songs, and age- appropriate games. Beyond academics, the summer programs offer life skills training, personal hygiene education, and environmental awareness activities. These sessions provide children with memorable summer experiences while fostering connections and enhancing community education through improved language and life skills.
Images of NCTU students teaching English and raising awareness about drowning prevention for children
A notable achievement of NCTU students is the successful restoration of nine portraits of fallen soldiers, which were respectfully delivered to nine families of policy beneficiaries and Vietnam Heroic Mothers in My Ngai Ward. This initiative educates younger generations about gratitude and the sacrifices made for the nation’s peace.
Additionally, NCTU students have also visited, supported, and officially taken on the sponsorship of seven children at Vinh Khanh Shelter and three at Quan Am Shelter. These shelters care for children in particularly difficult circumstances. Each child has their own story, yet all share a desire to attend school, learn, and nurture bright dreams for the future. This support goes beyond covering school fees, books, and uniforms—it includes encouragement and a caring embrace that instills confidence in the children as they pursue knowledge. Through these meaningful acts, the children feel less alone, knowing they have companions who support and encourage them.
NCTU students have also implemented the “Lighting Up Rural Roads” and “Love Noodle Stall” programs in Dak Lak Province. These initiatives go beyond providing food, offering care and warmth to local children. Volunteers prepare and serve noodle meals to eager students and residents, creating moments of joy and comfort in challenging circumstances. These efforts bring a sense of community and care to remote areas, leaving a lasting impact.
In addition to human-centered activities, NCTU students are deeply involved in environmental protection initiatives. The NCTU Recycling Group, founded by environmentally conscious students and guided by dedicated faculty members, focuses on upcycling waste into useful products such as baskets, bags, hats, and keychains. Their innovative efforts were recognized with Second Prize at the Vinh Long Province (former) Startup Ideas and Projects Competition in 2020. This achievement has inspired more students to take action in reducing waste and promoting sustainable practices.
Images of the recycling group’s activities
Moreover, NCTU students have supported coastal communities by planting trees to combat climate change. A key initiative involved planting mangroves, a vital species for soil retention, erosion prevention, and coastal ecosystem protection. In the riverbanks and low- lying areas of Thanh Tung Commune, hundreds of young mangroves were carefully planted by volunteers. Despite wading through mud, enduring water, and facing sun and wind, the students worked tirelessly, contributing to a sustainable green homeland. This is more than an environmental activity – it reflects the responsibility of Ca Mau students toward the mangrove ecosystem, a point of pride for the Dat Mui region. Each mangrove planted is a commitment to a greener future and the sustainability of the homeland amid climate change and natural challenges.
Images of NCTU students planting trees in local communities
NCTU students have also carried out practical initiatives, such as river and riverside waste collection campaigns. Beyond their own efforts, they have collaborated with tourism organizations and NGOs on water environment protection projects. A notable example is their support for GreenHUB’s “For a Trash-Free River” project at Con Son and Cai Rang Floating Market. Every two weeks, students and local communities collect waste along roads and riversides, significantly reducing pollution, protecting aquatic ecosystems, and preserving biodiversity.
Images of NCTU students collecting waste from rivers and riversides
Through regular initiatives like Green Sundays, Green-Clean-Beautiful School, World Environment Day, Green Summer Campaigns, Recycled Fashion Contest, and the “Old Books, New Horizons” event, NCTU students have actively contributed to climate change action goals. They collect improperly discarded waste, sort it, and create eco-bricks. Notably, during annual World Environment Day events, the university facilitates collaboration between faculty and students to organize “Trash for Gifts” programs, guide waste sorting, and collect hazardous waste. These efforts reduce land-based waste, mitigate environmental pollution, and contribute to climate change mitigation.
Images of waste collection, sorting, and awareness campaigns
NCTU has successfully integrated sustainable development education into its academic programs. These efforts extend beyond majors directly related to environmental sciences, ensuring that all students gain awareness and practical experience in sustainability. Guided by the principle of “Learning by Doing,” NCTU students not only enhance their knowledge but also take concrete actions to serve their communities and contribute to a sustainable future.
