According to a Suntory PepsiCo representative, Vietnam was the first country outside Japan to implement the Mizuiku program. Beginning with extracurricular classes in Hanoi in 2015, the program quickly expanded to Ho Chi Minh City and Bac Ninh between 2015 and 2016. In addition to classroom learning, the program also renovated school facilities and installed water filtration systems.

"At that time, access to clean water was still a luxury for people in some areas," the Suntory PepsiCo representative said.

Students learn and practice water conservation with visual aids. Photo: Suntory PepsiCo

Students learn and practice water conservation with visual aids. Photo: Suntory PepsiCo

2023 marked a major milestone when the Ministry of Education and Training officially approved the Mizuiku materials for integration into the primary school curriculum. The "Mizuiku" materials were compiled and approved as "Guidelines for teaching and learning about water conservation and protection for primary schools", becoming part of the core curriculum, no longer an extracurricular activity or specialized class. This significantly broadened the program's reach.

Today, the Mizuiku program continues to be implemented under a public-private partnership with the Ministry of Education and Training and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. In July, Suntory PepsiCo and the Department of Forestry launched the "Nature Experience with Mizuiku" initiative in national parks across the country. These classes take place in forests, allowing children to directly understand where water comes from and how to protect it. This fosters a love for nature and a sense of responsibility for water conservation.

According to a Suntory PepsiCo representative, the Mizuiku program combines the Japanese model with local adaptation in Vietnam. Water conservation knowledge is taught in the classroom and extended to practical experiences in nature. This allows students to directly experience and understand the water cycle and the importance of protecting water resources.

During field trips, such as in Ha Giang, children learn about the role of leaves and soil in water retention, participate in water filtration experiments, and simulate aquatic ecosystems. In Ben Tre, where water sources are polluted, children participate in water filtration experiments and learn about clean water treatment processes.

To date, the Mizuiku program has reached millions of elementary students, establishing itself as a sustainable and impactful environmental education initiative. With the support of management agencies and the community, "Mizuiku - I love clean water" continues to expand its influence, contributing to a green and sustainable future.

Signing ceremony of the memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Education and Training on the approval of Mizuiku materials for integration into the primary school curriculum in 2023. Photo: Suntory PepsiCo

Signing ceremony of the memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Education and Training on the approval of Mizuiku materials for integration into the primary school curriculum in 2023. Photo: Suntory PepsiCo

To commemorate its 10-year journey, the Mizuiku program launched the "Water Conservation - Nurturing the Future" contest in 2025, organized by Suntory PepsiCo Vietnam and Suntory Group Japan, under the patronage of the Japanese Embassy in Vietnam.

The contest targets various groups: the "Creative Explorers" drawing contest for students aged 6-15; the "Knowledge Igniters" lesson plan creation activity on water and environmental education for primary school teachers; and the "Green Seed Sowers" poster design contest for young people and citizens aged 16-40, calling for water conservation.

Through the contest, Mizuiku aims to inspire creativity, raise awareness, and promote concrete action from the community, especially the younger generation – those who will directly decide the future of water resources.

Outstanding works will be displayed at the "Water Conservation - Nurturing the Future" exhibition, taking place from 30/9 to 5/10 at Hanoi Book Street.

The exhibition promises to be a creative space, showcasing outstanding paintings and posters, and sharing inspiring stories from students and teachers involved with Mizuiku over the past 10 years. Through this, the organizers want to spread the message: "Mizuiku - I love clean water", a 10-year journey of water conservation, nurturing the future.

Van Ha