Due to recent resurgence of COVID-19 pandemic in Da Nang, many schools citywide have opted for virtual learning to keep pupils and staff safe. However, pupils citywide have undergone many difficulties in online learning due to the lack of learning materials or unfamiliarity with using technology in learning.

In an effort to support pupils, Youth Union organisations at all levels across Da Nang has deployed many meaningful support programmes to grant school supplies ranging from books, scholarships to computers, tablets, smartphones as well as giving hands to solve technology-related problems for needy pupils and their parents, helping them overcome difficulties and maintain their academic dream.

A member of the Youth Union chapter of Thuan Phuoc Ward, Hai Chau District, is giving guidance on studying online for a local pupil at his house. Photo: T.V

Ms Huynh Thi Nhien, residing in Hoa Khanh Nam Ward, Lien Chieu District is non-tech savvy due to her trade in the market all year. As a result, so she was very anxious when heard that her son has to study online. Fortunately, the ward-based Youth Union presented a new smartphone in tandem with coming to her house many times to teach her son how to use it, thereby ensuring smooth learning.

Similarly, Mr Nguyen Thanh Nhan, residing in Thach Thang Ward, Hai Chau District has two children yet having only one smartphone, leading to difficulties in their studying. Luckily, his son has already obtained new phone thanks to the thoughtful attention of the ward-level Youth Union. What a meaningful, practical gift for his family in a timely manner.

According to Mr Pham Van Xanh, Secretary of Youth Union chapter of Thach Thang Ward,  the unit decided to implement the program  "Strengthening children to enter the new school year" as soon as the education sector had organized online teaching and learning.

Till date, thanks to the huge support from warmhearted sponsors, associations and organizations, the Youth Union of Thach Thang Ward has given 10 tablets to needy pupils, as well as assigned members to each family to instruct pupils and parents how to study via virtual platforms. Moreover, the unit also presented 4 support packages for four children facing extreme difficulties, each worth VND 500,000 per month and lasted until the end of the year. Apart from that, nearly 50 gifts including textbooks, notebooks and stationery tools have also been given to other pupils in need.

In a similar vein, the Youth Union chapter of Hoa Phuoc Commune was quickly involved in the series of support activities with the "Wifi for pupils" model. After doing a survey on reality, the unit presented 30 4G sim cards to 30 pupils of Hoa Phuoc Primary School and Hoa Phuoc 2 Primary School, who had no connection with the internet to help them participate in online learning

Meanwhile, thanks to the " IT experts in blue " model launched by the Youth Union chapter of Thuan Phuoc Ward, Hai Chau District, Youth Union members being good at technology has already assisted hundreds of families in need of getting used to online learning.

In particular, the Youth Union chapter of Lien Chieu District has coordinated with the district-based Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee, Education and Training Department and other donors to present more than 100 smartphones to needy pupils from difficult families. The unit also helps local families in handling many logistical tasks such as registering for internet installation, buying 4G sim cards or appealing on internet sharing from neighbours, etc.

In addition, some schools’ Youth Unions also asked the school administration for permission to lend computers to the pupils. Locally, there are 40 desktop computers that are transported to pupils’ homes by their teachers, in tandem with connecting to the internet for them to help these pupils continue to pursue their academic dream amid this tough time.

On the whole, the Youth Union at all levels in Da Nang city has promoted the spirit of creativity, timely impulses, been willing to "troubleshooting" for parents and pupils to ensure the quality of teaching and learning amid this tough time.

Reporting by THANH VAN- Translating by T.VY