Although Vietnam is a tropical country where water quantity appears not to be an issue, water shortage is becoming a serious problem.  Unequal distribution of rainfall in different regions and seasons, over-exploitation of underground water and increasing pollution of rivers are the main reasons for its water shortage.  Vietnam’s projected population growth also adds to this concern.  By 2024, Vietnam is expected to have the fourth-largest population in Asia, behind China, India and Indonesia.  Because of these issues, access to clean and sanitary water has become a national priority for Vietnam.

Because of its own concern for the environment and sustainable water resources in Vietnam and to help protect its water supply for the Nestlé Waters Vietnam brand La Vie, Nestlé Waters Management and Technology (MT) began inquiring in early 2005 about implementing Project WET in Vietnam.  Project WET appeared to be an ideal way to help Nestlé Waters MT achieve its goals.  In February 2005, Roland Tschanz, GM, organized a six-person team in Ho Chi Minh City, led by Mrs. Phung Nguyen Kim.  Ms. Kim’s first assignment was to launch Project WET in Vietnam.  Initial projects involved translating Project WET’s Water Conservation Module and Kids in Discovery series (KIDs): Water, Every Drop Counts activity book into Vietnamese.

The Project WET Vietnam program was officially launched at a seminar on September 20, 2005 under the direction of John Etgen, Senior Vice President, Project WET; participants included a ministry of education representative, four teachers, and ten La Vie volunteers.

Mrs. Kim noted, “The ministry of education’s support was critical.  It enabled us to begin an initiative quickly at four pilot schools (600 students, ages nine to 10), where we hope it will last and grow.  The schools in the capital of Ho Chi Minh City were our priority for the 2005 school year.  In 2006, the program was expanded to the Long An and Hung Yen provinces, where our water sources are located.” 

Project WET Vietnam’s latest project was the development of student workbooks, which teach English through science and math lessons, increase awareness of the importance of water and expand students’ English and science vocabulary.  These successful materials are being used seven days a week by 33,000 students (grades two to five) in Ho Chi Minh City’s Intensive English Program.  It is new and innovative compared to previous lessons and activities because it is designed to fit the learning of the students and has become an official textbook for the students.

Ms. Kim added, “Cooperation between the ministry of education and a private company is our biggest asset.  This is a new approach for Vietnam, and it sets us apart from initiatives in which the company focuses primarily on communication.” 

She also noted, “Our goal is to teach as many people as possible about the long-term management of water.  To be successful with this initiative in Vietnam, we need strong references, and the four pilot schools will provide them.”

“The La Vie JV company is the market leader in bottled water in Vietnam. Since its production began in 1994, the company has paid close attention to the protection of water sources. In 2004, during our 10-year anniversary, we committed to further strengthening our role in educating people to better protect Vietnamese water resources.  As a result, we implemented Project WET.  Educating children is the best way to assure long-term access to clean water for everyone.”
— Mr. Roland Tschanz, GM, La Vie Company