Baseline survey- Climate Resilience through Climate education and Forest plantation in Thanh Hoa province – HEC project

This Baseline Report presents the initial findings of the Climate Resilience through Climate Education and Forest Plantation in Thanh Hoa Province (HEC) Project, implemented by Save the Children in Vietnam with funding from Save the Children Korea, Hyundai Motors Group, Community Chest of Korea, and Hyundai Engineering & Construction Co. Ltd.

The three-year project (2024–2026) aims to strengthen climate resilience among high school students and communities in Thanh Hoa province through two main approaches: (1) establishing and operating a Climate Change Education Centre to deliver targeted education sessions, and (2) promoting community-based climate action through large-scale tree plantation at Ben En National Park and youth-led climate campaigns.

A mixed-methods baseline survey was conducted with 1,491 Grade 10 and 11 students from 11 target schools, alongside focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with teachers, education authorities, local government, forest rangers, and community members. Findings show that 77.3% of students have at least basic knowledge of climate change, but awareness of less visible impacts such as mental health (24.9%) and migration (20%) is low. Students demonstrate positive attitudes and basic climate-positive practices, but teachers and schools face capacity gaps, curriculum constraints, and limited resources.

The report provides targeted recommendations for Save the Children and donors, the Department of Education and Training (DOET) and schools, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD), and communities, focusing on strengthening climate change education content, building teacher capacity, fostering multi-sectoral coordination, and enhancing community engagement.

These baseline insights will guide the design, implementation, and monitoring of the HEC Project, ensuring that interventions are relevant, inclusive, and sustainable.