Young students become 'junior weather observers'
Through hands-on experiences, students not only gain a deeper understanding of weather forecasting but also develop a proactive mindset toward a green, clean, and beautiful environment.
On September 7 in Hanoi, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in Viet Nam, held the closing ceremony of the program “Youth in Action for Clean Air and a Sustainable Future,” marking the 2026 International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies.
As part of the program, students visited the Ha Dong Meteorological Station under the Viet Nam Department of Meteorology and Hydrology. They learned about the meteorological factors monitored on a daily basis, weather-monitoring equipment, and the work of meteorological observers and forecasters.
For Pham Vinh Hien, a student from Lao Cai, the trip was an opportunity to explore firsthand what he had previously learned only from books. Hien said he often reads Natural Sciences books and is particularly interested in meteorology. This has also inspired him to pursue a career as a meteorological observer in the future.
What impressed Hien most was how different the reality at Ha Dong Meteorological Station was from what he had imagined from books. Seeing and learning about the meteorological instruments firsthand gave him a deeper understanding of the work of meteorological observers.
“Through the field experience, I learned how to identify east, west, north and south, and about various weather-monitoring instruments, including the sunshine recorder, maximum and minimum thermometers, air thermometer, anemometer and Stevenson screen. I was very happy to have the chance to play the role of a young meteorological observer today. I hope to become a meteorological observer in the future so I can help forecast the weather for people across the country and the northern region,” Hien shared.
Sharing the same enthusiasm, Bui Ngoc Bao Han, a student from Hue, said this was her first visit to a meteorological garden. She was particularly impressed by the spacious grounds and the system of equipment used for weather observations.
“Today, visiting the meteorological garden in Hanoi, I was very happy to learn so much from the guidance of the staff. I learned many useful things that I had previously known only from books. This experience helped me understand that producing an accurate weather forecast for the public involves a complex process requiring many steps, as well as great care and precision,” Han said.
The trip not only helped students learn more about meteorological equipment but also gain a clearer understanding of the quiet work of those involved in weather observation and forecasting. The students expressed their appreciation to the meteorological staff for working around the clock to provide accurate weather forecasts through a meticulous and demanding process.
Representatives of the Viet Nam Department of Meteorology and Hydrology welcomed the students’ active participation in the program. Their enthusiasm for learning about weather and climate issues shows the value of hands-on experiences in raising awareness, fostering young people’s interest in environmental protection and climate change, and encouraging them to take action.
Phuong Linh