On April 12, 2025, the Research and Training Centre for Community Development (RTCCD), in collaboration with the Faculty of Early Childhood Education – National College of Education, organized an in-person training session for over 120 preschool teachers from 10 public preschools in Hanoi. This event marked a key milestone in the pilot implementation of an alcohol harm prevention education model designed for children aged 4 to 6 — a golden age for shaping early awareness and fostering healthy lifelong habits.
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A New Education Model for a Healthier Vietnamese Generation
Since 2015, RTCCD has been a pioneer in alcohol harm prevention advocacy and policy consultation in Vietnam. With a child-centered approach, this new education model aims to help young children recognize the harmful effects of alcohol at an early age and spread the message of healthy living. In doing so, it not only raises children’s awareness but also encourages behavior change among family members and the wider community.
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The model includes:
- A specialized training program for preschool teachers: Before attending the in-person training, teachers were introduced to the core concepts through an online course titled “Safe Future: Teaching Children to Say No to Alcohol. [3]” The in-person session then deepened their understanding and provided practical guidance on integrating alcohol harm prevention education into everyday classroom activities.
- An interactive game toolkit for children aged 4–6 and a Teacher’s Guidebook: The toolkit is designed to support teachers in delivering AHP education through age-appropriate, engaging games. The accompanying guidebook offers structured learning activities that make teaching and learning fun and impactful.
- An online course for parents: “Alcohol Consumption Slows Your Child’s Development [4]” equips parents with essential knowledge on how alcohol affects young children’s development, teaches older children how to refuse alcohol, and outlines government regulations related to alcohol use. The course also provides practical tips for parents to adjust their behaviors and create a safe, healthy environment for their children and family members.
From Theory to the Classroom: Bringing the Model to Life
The training session began with a warm and enthusiastic atmosphere, joined by representatives from RTCCD and the Faculty of Early Childhood Education. Their opening remarks sparked meaningful reflection on the role of early childhood education in building healthy awareness from the very first years of life — especially in today’s society, where alcohol can permeate daily life and pose threats to health, family well-being, economic growth, and social stability.
A highlight of the session was the introduction of the Teacher’s Guidebook on Alcohol Harm Prevention for Children Aged 4–6 and the Interactive Game Toolkit developed by the project team.
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Designed with clarity and visual appeal, the guidebook is structured around three key lessons:
- Recognizing alcohol products
- The impact of alcohol on health
- The social consequences of alcohol use
Teachers were not only introduced to the curriculum but also inspired with creative strategies to transform dry facts into fun, age-appropriate stories and games.
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Teachers eagerly flipped through the materials, engaged in lively discussions, and envisioned how they would apply the model in their own classrooms.
The session concluded with a strategic planning workshop to prepare for implementation across 10 public preschools. This marks a significant shift from training to action — ensuring the model is applied effectively, tailored to each school’s unique context, and aligned with the program’s overall objectives. Every teacher walked away with a sense of commitment — not just to teach children about alcohol, but to collaborate with parents in protecting children from the harms that can arise from their surrounding environment.
To recognize their efforts, the project team awarded five teachers who completed the online course with outstanding results and ahead of schedule.
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Scaling Up for a Healthier Future
Following a successful pilot in 2024 across five public and five private preschools in Hanoi, reaching 1,500 children in 60 classrooms, the program received overwhelmingly positive feedback from both teachers and parents. In 2025, the model — now improved with higher-quality materials and enhanced teacher engagement strategies — will be expanded to 10 more public preschools in Hanoi. It is expected that over 2,000 children aged 4–6 will directly benefit from the model this year.
Looking ahead, RTCCD will continue working with experts, teacher training institutions, and preschools to refine the model and advocate for the integration of alcohol harm prevention education into Vietnam’s official early childhood curriculum — with the support and leadership of the Ministry of Education and Training.