The emerald green rice paddies of the Mekong Delta, once a symbol of Vietnam’s agricultural bounty, now bear the scars of industrial pollution. For generations, the predominantly Khmer people of the region have relied on the river for their livelihoods, cultivating rice and fishing in its fertile waters. However, the unchecked discharge of chemical waste from a nearby factory, owned by a multinational corporation, has poisoned the river, leaving many villagers sick and their traditional way of life threatened. This environmental catastrophe is further complicated by a deep-seated prejudice against the Khmer community. Many Vietnamese officials and members of the dominant Kinh majority dismiss the villagers’ concerns, viewing them as uneducated and incapable of understanding the complexities of environmental issues. Educational resources in the area, particularly those focused on environmental science and sustainable practices, are severely lacking, perpetuating a cycle of ignorance and vulnerability. While the Kinh communities in urban centers receive extensive environmental education, the Khmer villages remain largely neglected, reinforcing the existing inequalities. Fifteen-year-old Sophea, a bright and determined Khmer girl, witnesses the devastating impact of pollution firsthand. She observes the sickly fish, the contaminated rice crops, and the suffering of her community. Driven by a desire to protect her home and her people, Sophea begins to educate herself, seeking out information on environmental issues through scarce resources and the internet. With the support of a compassionate teacher, Mr. Nguyen, who recognizes both the environmental and social injustices, she starts to organize her community, educating her fellow villagers about the dangers of pollution and empowering them to demand action. Their fight is long and arduous. They face apathy from local officials, intimidation from factory representatives, and the pervasive weight of systemic discrimination. Yet, armed with their newfound knowledge and unwavering resolve, Sophea and her community persist, demonstrating the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Their story highlights the interconnectedness of environmental degradation, social injustice, and the critical role of education in achieving environmental justice and sustainable development.
1. What is the central conflict in the passage?
2. What role does education play in the passage?
3. What is the significance of Sophea's character?
4. The passage suggests that environmental problems are often intertwined with: