“Doing what we can, with what we have, right where we are.” – Wana Beverage’s CSR Commitment
This statement reflects our dedication to corporate social responsibility and is a core part of the “Wana Beverage Giving” initiative. In alignment with this pledge, Wana collaborated with the Vietnam Children’s Fund to install the first RO Water Filtration System for preschoolers at An Dien Kindergarten, located in Thanh Phu District, Ben Tre. The project was successfully completed within a one-month timeframe.
On October 23, 2024, representatives from Wana Beverage JSC and the Vietnam Children’s Fund gathered at the school alongside local authorities and the school’s leadership to celebrate this meaningful occasion in Ben Tre Province. The event not only acknowledged the project’s positive contribution but also reinforced the shared vision of a sustainable future where clean water is accessible to all residents in the area.
Salinity in An Dien, Thanh Phu, Ben Tre – The Struggle of Coastal Land
The Mekong Delta is currently facing a critical salinity intrusion issue, particularly in coastal provinces like Ben Tre. This growing concern is fueled by climate change and human-induced factors, leading to deeper saltwater penetration caused by rising sea levels and extended drought conditions. With an elevation of just 80 cm above sea level, the region is especially prone to such impacts.
Salinization presents not only ecological challenges but also serious economic consequences. As Vietnam’s primary agricultural hub, the Mekong Delta contributes over half of the country’s rice supply and a large portion of fruit and seafood exports. Saltwater intrusion threatens crop yields, posing a direct risk to food security throughout Southeast Asia.
Measures to combat this include building water reservoirs, promoting efficient water use, and diversifying crops. However, experts caution that these approaches may fall short, as existing infrastructure often lacks the capacity to provide sufficient fresh water.
Putting Children First – A Modest Contribution from Wana Beverage to Launch Long-Term Collective Solutions
RO Water System – A Practical and Cost-Effective Answer for Schools and Communities
“It took only two weeks to complete the installation, and we are committed to providing clean water for three years to support school operations and nearby households. After installation, we tested the water at the Pasteur Institute, which confirmed it was safe for drinking. We’ll replace the filter cartridges every three months and conduct annual maintenance to maintain optimal water quality,” shared Mr. Nguyen Anh Tuan, CEO and lead engineer of the project.
The system uses reverse osmosis (RO) technology with a capacity of 250 liters per hour. This filtration method works well regardless of the input water quality and produces water that meets drinking standards, ensuring the availability of clean water for both students and school activities.
The RO system delivers safe drinking water daily to 221 children and 13 staff members at An Dien Kindergarten. Additionally, the purified water is used in the school kitchen, enabling the school to provide a full-day program, which supports child development and eases commuting burdens for working parents.
Expanding Clean Water Access Throughout the Community
This initiative plays a vital role in mitigating the effects of salinization in the region. As the first system of its kind in the province, it demonstrates that communities can access clean water directly. This reduces their dependency on fluctuating water supply prices during dry seasons or periods of high salinity. The region relies heavily on freshwater for agriculture and fisheries. As a result, the scarcity of clean water remains a major economic threat, with the potential to reverse development progress. Local government has acknowledged the importance of this initiative and publicly praised the joint effort through state-run media.
Ongoing Commitment and Future Actions for the Next Generation
The successful implementation of this RO filtration system marks an important step toward addressing water scarcity in An Dien, Thanh Phu. However, it is just the beginning of a broader commitment to long-term, sustainable access to clean water in the region. With continued support and collective action, we aim to create a stronger, more resilient future for the children and families of Ben Tre. In that future, clean water is not a privilege, but a basic right that enables them to thrive.
