The "Mini Supermarket 0 VND" – A Lifeline in Difficult Times!

As the impact of COVID-19 affected many families, PNJ (1) _______ the Mini Supermarket 0 VND to offer much-needed support. In just 3 hours, this initiative was up and running, delivering essential food and supplies to those (2) _______ needed them most.

What makes the Mini Supermarket 0 VND so special? It's fast, efficient, and right on time. (3) _______ can people pick up food (4) _______ for free, but they also get the freedom to choose exactly what their family needs – just like shopping in a real supermarket!

This initiative (5) _______ countless lives, with many individuals, businesses, and local governments joining hands to make it a success. In 2024, the Mini Supermarket 0 VND is coming back with even more amazing (6) _______!

Join us in spreading kindness and support. Together, we can make a difference!

PNJ – Serving society with love.

Join Zero Waste Week – A Global Effort for a Greener Future!

What is Zero Waste Week?

Zero Waste Week is an annual campaign created by Rachelle Strauss in 2008, designed to (1) _______ awareness about waste reduction. It takes place every September, aiming to inspire individuals, businesses, and communities to reduce waste, recycle, and adopt sustainable practices. This year, it's your chance (2) _______ action!

Why Participate?

With the growing global waste crisis, Zero Waste Week focuses on helping people understand that every small change matters. By reducing waste, reusing materials, and recycling more, you can be part of a(n) (3) _______ that aims to reduce environmental impact. Together, we can eliminate harmful plastic waste, decrease landfill overflow, and protect our planet.

How Can You Make a Difference?

✔ Participate (4) _______ local events or start your own.

✔ Reduce your plastic use and buy sustainable products.

✔ Compost food scraps to keep waste out of (5) _______.

✔ Encourage (6) _______ to follow sustainable practices.

Join us in creating a cleaner, greener world!

Visit ZeroWasteWeek.com for tips, resources, and events.

In September and October, Hanoi was hit by heavy rains, causing widespread flooding in many districts. On the night of September 30, some areas received over 300 millimeters of rain, flooding streets and disrupting traffic. Although flooding is not new to Hanoi, (1) _______.

Experts believe that (2) _______. A modern city cannot rely only on drains and canals to manage rainwater. With much of the city covered by concrete, there is little space for water to seep into the ground. (3) _______.

The rapid growth of Hanoi has led to the loss of many lakes, ponds, and canals, which once helped absorb rainwater. Now, more land is covered by concrete, and new neighborhoods are often built on higher ground, (4) _______.

Experts suggest using the “sponge city” model, where cities are designed to absorb rainwater and reduce damage. (5) _______. Dr. Tran Van Mieu from the Vietnam Association for Nature and Environment Protection said good planning, especially for drainage, is essential for reducing flooding. Increasing green spaces is also important to absorb water.

1. Vietnam plans to recruit an additional 22,000 English teachers by 2030 as part of a significant effort to make English a second language in schools, according to the Ministry of Education and Training. The draft proposal, introduced on September 22, outlines a long-term strategy aimed at integrating English into all levels of education by 2045. By then, officials expect English to be taught in 50,000 schools, benefiting approximately 30 million students and one million teachers and lecturers across the country.

2. The implementation of the plan will occur in three phases: the first phase from 2025 to 2030, followed by a second phase from 2030 to 2040, and the final phase from 2040 to 2045. Key priorities include improving teacher training programs, updating exams and assessments, developing new curricula and learning materials, and incorporating digital technology and artificial intelligence into classrooms.

3. To address immediate needs, the Ministry plans to recruit 12,000 new English teachers for preschools and 10,000 for primary schools. Additionally, at least 200,000 existing teachers will be retrained to teach in English by 2030. Vietnam currently has more than 1.05 million preschool and general education teachers, but only about 30,000 of them specialize in English.

4. The proposal also stresses the importance of launching national English-learning campaigns, promoting successful local models, and integrating AI tools into classrooms. While English is officially taught starting from grade 3, many preschools and lower grades already offer optional English classes. Teachers who use foreign languages for instruction are required to have B2 proficiency in primary and lower secondary levels, and C1 proficiency in high school. Currently, no region in Vietnam has fully implemented English as a second language.

1. Vietnam's “One Commune, One Product” (OCOP) program has become a vital part of rural economic development. It focuses on enhancing the value of local products and expanding their reach to international markets. After over seven years, the program is now focused on establishing long-term consumption networks and increasing its global presence.

2. The program, launched in 2018, has boosted rural economies by adding value to agricultural products and reviving traditional goods across the country. [I] These products cover various categories, from local specialties and food to handicrafts, medicinal herbs, and tourism services. [II]

3. OCOP products go beyond being commercial goods; they reflect the cultural heritage, creativity, and ambitions of local communities, including small farmers, cooperatives, and private businesses. For instance, Bac Ninh boasts 751 OCOP products, such as lychees, rice noodles, and garlic. [III] Bac Ninh's lychees are sold in over 30 countries and are available in major retail chains like GO, Big C, and Lotte Mart. Thanks to the OCOP program, more than 60% of producers in Bac Ninh have seen an 18% annual revenue growth, improving rural living standards. [IV]

4. The next objective for OCOP is to enhance product quality and sustainability. The Ministry of Industry and Trade aims to upgrade products from three- and four-star ratings to four- and five-star ratings, in line with national and international standards. Experts suggest improving the entire production process, from raw materials to packaging. Stronger standards and reliable distribution channels will increase the global competitiveness of these products.

5. Digital platforms are essential for promoting OCOP products globally. By selling on e-commerce sites like Amazon and Alibaba and providing cooperatives with digital skills and marketing strategies, they can reach international markets. Nguyen Van Nam, a cooperative director, highlighted how e-commerce has expanded his customer base both locally and internationally. Experts believe digital transformation and improved logistics will help small producers overcome distribution challenges.