The two meaningful and impactful programs namely ‘Free swimming classes for children’ launched by the Youth Union organization of the Da Nang University of Physical Education and Sports and ‘Exchanging recyclables for gifts’ launched by D.A.U Youth Volunteer Team of the Da Nang University of Architecture have been presented with the ‘January 9 Award’ by the municipal Youth Union as they have brought great benefits to local communities.

Outstanding individuals and organizations were honored with the ‘January 9 Award’ for their meaningful programs and solutions that benefit local communities. Photo: N.Q

Free swimming classes for disadvantaged children

Ms. Tran My Thuc Quyen from the University of Physical Education and Sports who is in charge of implementing the ‘Free swimming classes for children’ program said that the program which was launched in July, 2022 aims to teach children how to swim and reduce the risk of drowning as there have been a lot of drowning-related incidents across the country over the past time and most drowning deaths occur among children. In fact, the country possess many rivers and streams, and have sea borders but the vast majority of children have yet to be equipped with swimming skills to prevent drowning.

The University of University of Physical Education and Sports has many advantages in implementing this program as the school has a swimming pool, supporting equipment and a team of experienced swim instructors. Attendees at free swimming classes are primary and secondary school pupils who are living under difficult circumstances across Thanh Khe District. They learn basis swimming skills that allow them feel confident and comfortable in the water. Included are techniques how to breathe while swimming, how to float in water, along with water safety skills to help them understand the risks and drowning first aid.

“After nearly 2 months of learning to swim, most of the attendees at these classes have mastered the basic skills of swimming and drowning prevention, "said Ms. Quyen.

Mr Bui Dang Toan, the Secretary of the Youth Union organization of the University of Physical Education and Sports said that apart from offering free swimming classes for children, the school provided drowning prevention education for teenagers in 7 districts of the city in 2022. In 2023, the school will continue to implement its meaningful program for children in Lien Chieu District and expand drowning prevention education into Quang Nam Province.

Organizing a gift exchange using recycles found at home

The ‘ Exchanging recyclables for gifts’ program launched by D.A.U Youth Volunteer Team of the University of Architecture has been implemented over the past 4 months, contributing to raising awareness of environmental issues and plastic waste reduction among the school’s students.

Nguyen Phuc, the team’s leader said that organizing a gift exchange using recycled products or things found in home is not a new model but it is a meaningful activity as it aims to promote recycling activities among the school’s students, and local residents as a whole, in an attempt to reduce the amount of waste sent to the landfill. This program has been implemented in the University of Architecture since October 2022, attracting a large number of the school’s students.

“The school has given gifts, including books, bags, notebooks, succulents, potted plants for its students’ recyclable materials. The collected recyclables are delivered to the Green Da Nang group for recycling, or are sold to get money to fund social activities in the city and its neighboring localities," shared Nguyen Phuc.

Till date, 12 events for a gift exchange using recycled products or things found in home have been organized by the team. On average, about 20kg of paper waste, 100 cans, and 50 plastic bottles have been collected from each event. This program helped promoting behaviour change for strengthening waste segregation at source among the school’s students, as well as encourage them to put waste to good use for recycling.

Le Cong Hung, the Deputy Secretary of the Youth Union Organization and Chairman of the Da Nang Students' Association assessed that the above-mentioned programs have brought positive benefits to local communities. These programs will continue in the city in order to make a positive impact on society. In 2023, more meaningful and impactful programs will be implemented across the city in a creative way to promote dynamism among young people in efforts to join hands with the government and residents of Da Nang to make the city more civilized, prosperous and beautiful.

Reporting by NGOC QUOC – Translating by H.L