The Hesse State in central Germany, which has maintained close cooperation with Vietnamese partners for more than three decades, together with individual donors, quickly provided funding for WUS Germany to deliver the 10 PAUL systems. The initiative aims to ensure a regular supply of clean water for schools in the provinces most severely affected by recent floods in Vietnam.

Each PAUL (Portable Aqua Unit for Lifesaving) system can filter up to 1,200 liters of contaminated water per day, providing three liters of safe drinking water for at least 400 people.

Thanks to PAUL, many schools have also benefited from improved access to clean water. The system not only supports the sixth UN Sustainable Development Goal, “Clean Water and Sanitation,” under the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, but also enables more Vietnamese students to enjoy the right to education.

Solidarity has long been a special bond between Vietnam and Germany, especially during times of hardship caused by natural disasters or pandemics. When Germany faced a severe shortage of face masks at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in April 2020, the Vietnamese Government and overseas Vietnamese community in Germany actively supported the German people. At that time, WUS Germany helped distribute more than 120,000 masks donated by Vietnam to hospitals and relief organizations across all 16 German states.

When severe flooding struck Vietnam, WUS Germany once again extended practical solidarity by providing water treatment systems to communities in central Vietnam.

According to Dr. Kambiz Ghawami, President of WUS Germany, the initiative reflects “practical solidarity in emergencies.” He also expressed concern over the next storm, Fengshen, which is forecast to make landfall in Vietnam on October 21.

In recent years, WUS Germany has provided more than 380 PAUL systems across Vietnam, benefiting over 152,000 students, teachers, and parents with daily access to clean drinking water.

The PAUL system is exceptionally resource-efficient, using membrane filtration technology that requires no chemicals, electricity, or technical expertise. It was invented by Professor Franz-Bernd Frechen of the University of Kassel in the state of Hesse.

Can Tho seeks stronger cooperation with Germany in vocational training

Can Tho city is looking to expand cooperation with partners from Germany in vocational education, green industries, logistics, and smart city development, a local leader said at a working session with the German Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City on September 17.