With funding from the Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP), VietCycle has organised a training programme to raise awareness of plastic waste and financial management for the informal waste collection workforce, known as “green warriors,” in southern Vietnam.
Held on February 21 in Ho Chi Minh City, the training is part of the ‘Empowering Green Warriors’ project, which aims to enhance expertise in plastic waste sorting and provide basic financial management skills for informal workers.
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| Photo: VietCycle |
The programme trained 100 informal waste collectors, including female freelance waste pickers, workers at recycling craft villages, and scrapyard owners in Ho Chi Minh City. VietCycle—a pioneer in establishing a circular waste ecosystem in Vietnam—hopes that this second training session will not only improve plastic sorting skills in line with recycling standards but also equip workers and small business owners with financial management tools, from budgeting and saving to finding suitable financial solutions to support more stable livelihoods.
Speaking at the event, Pham Quoc Huy, director of VietCycle in Ho Chi Minh City, said, “After the success of the first training session in Hanoi last December, we are pleased to offer this second session for green warriors within the XanhNet ecosystem in Ho Chi Minh City.
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| Photo: VietCycle |
“VietCycle is honoured to implement this project, with the goal of delivering tangible value to the informal waste collection community. We hope today’s training will provide valuable insights that help participants gain confidence in their work, increase their income, and contribute more actively to Vietnam’s circular economy.”
The ‘Empowering Green Warriors’ project is spearheaded by VietCycle with GPAP funding, aiming to improve skills, resources, and livelihoods for informal waste collectors. It also underscores VietCycle and GPAP’s commitment to sustainability and social equity in the informal labour sector, while raising public awareness of this workforce’s critical role in the circular economy.
The project consists of two intensive training sessions. The first, held in Hanoi last December, focused on occupational safety, fire prevention, and gender equality. The second session in Ho Chi Minh City, held on February 21, provided financial and technical training in plastic recycling.
Additionally, the programme features a creative exhibition set to take place in Hanoi in March, showcasing the work of waste collectors and raising awareness among young people about waste issues, while inspiring the community to recognise the importance of the circular economy.
Vietnam has nearly three million informal waste collectors, who play a vital role in the plastic recycling value chain. They are the first to access and sort recyclable waste, reducing pressure on landfills and promoting the circular economy. However, most lack formal training in effective waste sorting and face challenges in managing income, saving, and accessing financial services.
Source: https://vir.com.vn/training-initiative-bolsters-skills-for-informal-workers-123344.html
