Trinh Hong Van, principal of Thanh Xuan Trung secondary school in Thanh Xuan ward, announced on the afternoon of 9/12 that since late last week, many parents have lent the school air purifiers for their children's classrooms. About 20 classrooms currently have purifiers, with two units in each.
"It started with an idea from a few parents, which then spread among others," Van said, recognizing this as a positive solution that demonstrates parents' cooperation with the school, helping teachers and students feel secure in their learning and teaching.
Similarly, at a primary school in Kim Lien ward, nearly a dozen parents brought air purifiers for the classrooms. The school principal reported that classroom air conditioners were turned on for better air circulation.
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A classroom at Thanh Xuan Trung secondary school, December 2025. Photo: *School provided* |
Additionally, schools have reduced outdoor activities during this period. According to Principal Trinh Van Hong, for about one week now, flag-raising ceremonies have been held in classrooms, and some specialized lessons requiring concentrated study have been moved to the library.
Students are advised not to go out to the yard during break time. According to Hong, many homeroom teachers have prepared chess, Chinese chess, and Ludo sets for students to play in the classroom.
Nguyen Cao Cuong, principal of Thai Thinh secondary school in Dong Da ward, stated that in addition to limiting outdoor activities, the school also recommends students wear masks when outdoors and enhance nasal and throat hygiene. This approach is also adopted by Chuong Duong secondary school (Hong Ha ward) and Binh Minh kindergarten (Yen Hoa ward).
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Teachers and students at Thanh Xuan Trung secondary school. Photo: *School provided* |
Since late November, Hanoi has frequently been hazy due to fine dust, with air quality at "unhealthy" and "very unhealthy" levels, and the air quality index (AQI) around 200.
According to experts, three main factors contribute to air pollution in Hanoi: external emission sources (long-range transport), local emission sources (from activities such as industry, transportation, and waste burning), and meteorological conditions.
The city's People's Committee (UBND) has instructed the education sector to limit outdoor activities during periods when air quality is "unhealthy" or worse, meaning the air quality index (AQI) is above 150. If the AQI exceeds 301, considered hazardous, schools must proactively allow students to stay home or adjust their working and studying hours accordingly.
Thanh Hang
