Vietnam Launches Nationwide Safe School Zones Programme to Protect Students

A groundbreaking two-year initiative to enhance road safety for over 18.3 million students across Vietnam was unveiled on May 23, 2025, in Hanoi. Spearheaded by the US-based nonprofit AIP Foundation and supported by the United Nations Road Safety Fund (UNRSF), the programme aims to transform the perilous journeys many children face daily by establishing safe school zones nationwide.

A Critical Need for Safer Roads

Every day, countless Vietnamese students navigate hazardous routes to school, often walking along roads without pavements and contending with vehicles traveling at speeds far exceeding international safety recommendations for school zones. The urgency of addressing this issue has been underscored by persistent traffic accidents involving students, prompting the government and international partners to take decisive action. The new Safe School Zones programme seeks to mitigate these risks through a multi-pronged approach, including the development of national guidelines, pilot projects in select provinces, and widespread community awareness campaigns.

Collaborative Efforts for Systemic Change

The AIP Foundation, chosen by the UNRSF as the implementing partner, will collaborate closely with Vietnam’s Ministry of Construction (MoC), authorities in Quảng Ngãi Province, the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), and the United Nations Multi-Partner Trust Fund Office (MPTFO). This partnership reflects a shared commitment to creating sustainable and scalable solutions for road safety, particularly in areas where children are most vulnerable.

“The United Nations Road Safety Fund is proud to support the scale-up of safe school zones across Việt Nam. The road to education must not be a road to danger. Through this new Safe School Zones programme, the Fund is investing in sustainable, scalable solutions that help create safer road environments where they are most urgently needed, around schools” said Nneka Henry, Head of the UN Road Safety Fund Secretariat. He further emphasized the potential for this initiative to serve as a regional model, noting, “By supporting the development of a national legal framework and piloting model zones, this project aims to set a precedent not only for Việt Nam, but for the region, showing how targeted funding can unlock systemic change and protect the next generation.”

Aligning with National Priorities

The programme aligns seamlessly with Vietnam’s broader objectives under the National Strategy on Road Traffic Order and Safety for 2021–30, with a vision extending to 2045. It also responds to Directive No. 31/CT-TTg, issued by the Prime Minister on December 21, 2023, which calls for enhanced traffic safety measures for students. Hoàng Thế Tùng, Deputy Director at the MoC’s Transportation and Traffic Safety Department, highlighted the programme’s goals during the launch event, stating, “This programme aims to reduce injuries and fatalities among students involved in road traffic accidents, aligning with the objectives of the National Strategy on Road Traffic Order and Safety for the 2021–30 period, with a vision toward 2045, as well as Directive No. 31/CT-TTg dated December 21, 2023, issued by the Prime Minister on strengthening traffic safety for students in the current context.”

To achieve these ambitions, the initiative will focus on developing evidence-based recommendations for criteria, models, standards, and regulations specific to traffic-safe school zones. Key activities include gathering data on current safety conditions around schools, providing capacity-building training for government stakeholders, piloting model zones in targeted provinces, and fostering community engagement to raise awareness about the importance of safe road environments.

A Vision for Practical Solutions

The launch event in Hanoi brought together stakeholders from various sectors to discuss the programme’s objectives, scope, and expected outcomes. Participants gained clarity on their roles in contributing to the initiative’s success, fostering a sense of collective responsibility. Mijam Sidik, CEO of AIP Foundation, expressed optimism about the collaborative spirit driving the project, stating, “This inspiring programme launch shows what’s possible when Government, communities and partners come together with a shared vision, to save lives and protect children. As an international NGO in Việt Nam, we are proud to support and drive forward practical, evidence-based solutions like this safe school zones programme, because every step toward safer roads is a step toward a stronger, more equitable future for all.”

The emphasis on evidence-based strategies is central to the programme’s design. By piloting model school zones in provinces like Quảng Ngãi, organizers hope to identify best practices that can be scaled up nationwide. These pilot projects will serve as testing grounds for innovative infrastructure improvements, such as designated pedestrian pathways, speed reduction measures near schools, and enhanced signage to alert drivers to the presence of children.

Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

While the programme holds immense promise, it is not without challenges. Implementing systemic change across a country as geographically and demographically diverse as Vietnam requires careful coordination and sustained funding. Urban areas, with their dense traffic and limited space for infrastructure upgrades, may pose different obstacles compared to rural regions, where long distances and poorly maintained roads often exacerbate safety risks. Additionally, ensuring community buy-in will be crucial, as behavioral changes—such as adherence to speed limits near schools—depend on public awareness and enforcement.

Nevertheless, the initiative offers a unique opportunity to address a pressing public health issue while setting a precedent for other countries in the region. The involvement of international partners like the UNRSF and ESCAP underscores the global significance of Vietnam’s efforts, potentially inspiring similar programmes in neighboring nations facing comparable road safety challenges.

Community Impact and Regional Implications

Beyond the immediate goal of reducing traffic-related injuries and fatalities among students, the Safe School Zones programme has broader implications for community well-being and educational access. Safe routes to school can encourage higher attendance rates, particularly in rural areas where parents may otherwise hesitate to send their children on dangerous journeys. Moreover, by prioritizing child safety, the initiative sends a powerful message about the value of investing in the next generation.

Regionally, Vietnam’s approach could serve as a blueprint for other Southeast Asian countries grappling with similar issues. Nations like Thailand and Indonesia, where rapid urbanization and motorization have outpaced infrastructure development, stand to benefit from the lessons learned through this programme. If successful, Vietnam’s model zones could inform regional policies, fostering a collaborative approach to road safety across the Asia-Pacific.

Looking Forward

As the Safe School Zones programme rolls out over the next two years, its impact will be closely monitored by government officials, international partners, and local communities alike. The hope is that this initiative will not only save lives but also pave the way for a safer, more equitable future for Vietnam’s children. With millions of students set to benefit, the question remains: can this ambitious project deliver on its promise to transform the road to education into a path of safety and opportunity?