Children from disadvantaged backgrounds often have limited access to extra classes or paid extracurricular activities. Therefore, participating in classes created out of love and community care provides them with a joyful and beneficial summer.

Members of the Martial Arts Club at the Da Nang University of Science and Education are teaching children basic self-defence techniques. Photo: T.Y

A memorable summer

This summer is particularly special for Ngo Thi Nha Uyen, born in 2012, from Phuoc Hung Nam Village, Hoa Nhon Commune, Hoa Vang District. Uyen shared that her parents couldn't afford her extra classes or travel experiences. Despite this, she has been enjoying a delightful summer, helping her parents with housework and attending free cultural classes organised by the Youth Union organisation in Hoa Nhon Commune and the Viet Nam-Korea University of Information and Communications Technology (VKU).

The computing and English classes that Uyen attends are always filled with laughter. Every weekend, she also participates in local summer activities. These include group dances, small games, and life skills lessons, which help her strengthen friendships and spend more time outdoors. Uyen expressed her enthusiasm, saying that this summer is unforgettable and will be a cherished memory in her growth journey.

Nguyen Huu Do, born in 2013, from Thach Nham Dong Village, Hoa Nhon Commune, also experienced indescribable joy attending the free summer cultural classes for the first time. He eagerly looked forward to participating since learning he was on the list. Do shared that the classes have helped him improve his knowledge and make new friends. He particularly enjoyed the summer activities, as they introduced him to many fun traditional games.

Eight cultural classes for primary and secondary school students were organised by the Hoa Nhon Youth Union in collaboration with VKU throughout the summer. Le Thi Hong Tuyet, Secretary of the Hoa Nhon Youth Union, mentioned that the programme prioritises students from disadvantaged backgrounds. The involvement of VKU volunteers has brought a lively and enthusiastic atmosphere, encouraging a spirit of progress among the students. This collaboration supports their knowledge and helps them develop essential life skills. Tuyet believes that interaction with VKU volunteers inspires the students to pursue learning and self-development in the future.

Warmth through kindness

In an alley at 113 Ly Thai To, Thanh Khe District, Nguyen Tuan Nam and Phan Van Anh, Secretary of the Trung Binh A3 Residential Area Party Committee, run a free class every Friday and Sunday evening. The pupils are primarily children from disadvantaged labour families in the area. The class operates with the support of local residents who contribute books, desks, projectors, and other learning tools.

Since its inception in the summer of 2022, the class has hosted 15 to 20 children each summer, teaching English and drawing. They also organise field trips, giving students the opportunity to interact with foreigners at tourist sites in Da Nang and Hoi An. Nam shared that the curriculum is designed from easy to difficult, helping students grasp vocabulary and language learning methods effectively. Most students now possess basic listening and speaking skills, confidently communicating with teachers.

Hoang Thi Thuy, Head of the Women's Union of Trung Binh A3, stated that the free class provides a creative and entertaining environment for children, complementing their knowledge. The class brings community love and care to disadvantaged children, allowing them to learn and interact in a friendly and joyful setting.

Providing a beneficial and safe summer for disadvantaged children is a goal of various organisations in Da Nang this year. Besides free classes, free swimming, martial arts, table tennis, and volleyball lessons have also been actively organised. Huynh Thanh Binh, Secretary of the Lien Chieu District Youth Union, noted that since mid-June, the Youth Union organisation, in collaboration with the University of Education and the University of Sports, has organised free skill classes for over 100 disadvantaged children. These activities aim to create a fun, safe environment while equipping them with self-defence and anti-violence skills.

Reaching out to children in difficult circumstances

This summer, the Centre for Culture, Information, and Sports in Lien Chieu District has been actively organising a free summer sports programme for over 150 disadvantaged children. The programme includes table tennis, badminton, football, chess, and swimming. Binh mentioned that these activities are held annually to provide a healthy, entertaining environment while encouraging the children to actively engage in sports to improve their health and fitness.

As the head of the Martial Arts Club at the University of Science and Education, Nguyen Dang Trung Hieu, born in 2003, has been tasked with leading the self-defence class. Around 25 students participate in learning basic self-defence techniques to protect themselves. Hieu also diligently shares ways to recognise signs of violence and abuse, aiming to equip the children with the necessary knowledge to protect themselves. He stated that he is one of the 150 volunteers from the University participating in this year's Green Summer campaign. Accordingly, most of the volunteer programmes are designed for disadvantaged children, such as free classes or life skills and self-defence training, to ensure a safe, happy, and meaningful summer for children of all ages.

Disadvantaged children often have limited access to extra classes or extracurricular activities. Thus, joining classes created with love and community care brings them a warm and joyful summer. The joy is reflected in the sentiments of a 7th-grade student, Ngo Thi Nha Uyen, who said that these classes help her strengthen her knowledge without worrying about falling behind her peers. Thanks to this confidence, she feels happier and more content during summer activities and excursions with the volunteers.

Reporting by TIEU YEN - Translating by TRUC VY