Society

To let children be loved and spread love

Thanh Quynh • DNUM_ABZAGZCACF 08:45

In modern society, building a safe, friendly and child-centered environment is not only the task of the education sector but also the shared responsibility of the family and the whole society. When children are listened to, respected and loved, they will develop comprehensively in both physical and mental aspects. From that foundation, children will know how to love their family, respect their teachers, cherish the traditional cultural values ​​of the nation, to become useful citizens for the country.

On the occasion of International Children's Day (June 1), Nghe An Newspaper had a conversation with teacher Bien Ngoc Khanh - Teacher in charge of the Youth Union of Vinh Tan Primary School (Vinh City), member of the Provincial Youth Union Council, head of the Club for developing folk singing of Vi and Giam - Nghe Tinh for students in schools.

PV: Many people still comment that, in modern society, children are more materially well-off but more vulnerable mentally. As someone who has been involved in the work of the Young Pioneers and primary school education for many years, do you agree with this opinion?

Teacher Bien Ngoc Khanh:I completely agree with that statement. It can be said that children today are living in much better material conditions than before. They study in a spacious, modern environment, and most of them are fully satisfied with their material needs - from beautiful clothes, modern toys, to advanced technological equipment.

But in some ways, they lack the space to be heard, the time to be understood, and the real emotional connections with their parents, teachers, and friends. That creates a paradox: They have more, but are more lonely and vulnerable.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 10-20% of adolescents have experienced at least one mental disorder, of which depression is the most common. In Vietnam, the rate of children suffering from depression is estimated at about 5-8%. This figure reflects a worrying reality about the mental health of children and adolescents in the context of modern society.

I have heard some of my students confide that, although they live in a well-off family, their parents pay close attention to their studies, they lack time to listen to their feelings. They are expected a lot, but are rarely asked: "Are you happy today?", or simply "Do you need any help from your parents?". Gradually, they become withdrawn, have difficulty sharing, and are sensitive to any suggestions. I think that lack of material things is not as harmful as children's lack of connection and lack of timely sharing.

Another factor that cannot be ignored is the increasingly obvious influence of technology on children's mental life. It can be said that technology is not bad, in fact, if used correctly, it is a very useful tool. However, many children are dependent on the virtual world, leading to a decrease in the ability to connect in real life and being easily affected negatively by online interactions.

Therefore, educating children about their spiritual life today needs to be given due attention. In order for children to feel loved properly, they will be steadfast, confident and know how to spread love back to their family, friends, homeland and life.

PV: You assert that children need to be given the right amount of attention, so what do you think is the right amount?

Teacher Bien Ngoc Khanh: In my opinion, “the right amount” is not only enough in quantity, but also must be right in method and come from subjects that play an important role for children. In the current context, we cannot take care of children just by providing more material things, but need to focus on deeper needs – that is, psychological needs according to age, understanding, sincere feelings and true love.

To achieve this, there needs to be close coordination between family – school – teacher – and community. For teachers, “the right level” is not just about imparting knowledge, but also about teaching with all your heart: patiently listening, tolerant of mistakes, and helping students believe in their own worth. For schools, “the right level” means building a friendly learning environment – ​​where students can be themselves, are encouraged to be creative, and where mistakes are not considered failures.

The education sector is currently pursuing the motto of “taking students as the center”, aiming to create an ideal learning environment, aiming at the comprehensive development of students and improving the quality of education. This motto is demonstrated in many aspects: From innovating programs and teaching methods, to promoting the role of teachers, families and society in accompanying students on their journey of learning and growing up.

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Proper care for children is when each adult puts themselves in the child's shoes, to understand what they need, what they fear and what they expect.

Then, love will no longer be a theory, but a practical action, every day, every little thing.

Teacher Bien Ngoc Khanh

For families, proper care does not stop at providing adequate material care, but is also demonstrated through understanding the moods, interests, emotions and social relationships of children. Parents need to accompany as friends, instead of always standing in a superior position. Sometimes, just 15 minutes sitting with children every night - reading books together, listening to them tell stories - is much more valuable than expensive gifts.

For society, proper concern is creating healthy living spaces for children - from community playgrounds, public bookcases, to proactively protecting them from the risk of early exposure to harmful content online.

PV: On the other hand, what do you think we should do so that children not only know how to receive love, but also know how to appreciate and be grateful for the care of others, so that they can spread that love into specific, practical actions in their daily lives?

Teacher Bien Ngoc Khanh:First of all, we need to create an educational environment that is filled with love and role models from the adults around us. Children learn a lot through observation, so parents, teachers and family members need to become living examples of love, sharing and gratitude – demonstrated through every little action in daily life.

Besides, life skills education is an essential factor, helping children understand that love is not just an emotion, but needs to be expressed through specific actions: Helping others, sharing with friends, and being responsible for themselves as well as the community.

In addition, encouraging children to participate in social and volunteer activities from an early age will help them realize that love needs to be spread through practical actions. From there, children will gradually form positive living habits, knowing how to appreciate what they have. When children are grateful and willing to contribute to the community, it is a solid foundation for them to develop a comprehensive personality and become responsible citizens in the future.

As a member of the Provincial Youth Union Council, I see that schools in the province are increasingly having practical activities to arouse in students love and awareness, and responsibility towards the community.

These values ​​are nurtured through meaningful programs such as gratitude activities on major holidays of historical and cultural significance to the nation such as War Invalids and Martyrs Day (July 27), Southern Liberation Day, National Reunification Day (April 30), Uncle Ho's birthday and death anniversary... At the same time, practical activities are organized such as returning to the source at red addresses, visiting families of war invalids and martyrs, participating in the "Repaying gratitude" movement, organizing extracurricular activities, interacting with historical witnesses and talks on gratitude. These occasions are not only opportunities for students to review traditions, remember the great contributions of previous generations, but also help them deeply understand the value of freedom, peace and appreciate the good things in current life.

In parallel, the school closely coordinates with teams, groups, and youth clubs to organize many programs to support poor students to overcome difficulties, award scholarships, and at the same time, equip them with the necessary knowledge and life skills to confidently rise up in life. These activities have helped students in difficult circumstances to be empowered and created an environment for all students to practice the qualities of sharing, empathy, and social responsibility in a practical and effective way.

PV:It is known that you have spent more than 10 years of dedication to maintaining the Nghe Tinh Folk Song Development Club for students. According to you, what values ​​does bringing folk songs into extracurricular educational activities bring to students in shaping their personality and fostering love for their homeland and national culture at the present stage?

Teacher Bien Ngoc Khanh:Putting Vi and Giam folk songs into extracurricular activities is a gentle yet long-lasting way of educating. Children are exposed to traditional cultural values ​​through lyrics, melodies, and lessons about affection, loyalty, filial piety, and village and neighborhood affection. Participating in singing, performing, and learning about the history and circumstances of each tune makes them not only understand but also feel proud that their homeland has a heritage recognized by UNESCO. These things contribute to shaping personality, training subtlety in behavior, and nurturing pride in the cultural roots of their nation.

What makes me extremely happy is that from the club itself, many students have shone and affirmed their value. We can mention Le Thi Tra My (born 2007, Vinh My - Vinh Tan block), who won the A Prize of "Son Ca's Singing" at the city level in 2014 with the song Xam Nghe; or Nguyen Thi Le Na (Nam Cat - Nam Dan), who won the Provincial Prospect Award in 2017.

Recently, many students such as Le Sy Luan, Bach Khanh Linh, Nguyen Tra My, Nguyen Khanh Vy... have also won the Provincial Promising Award in 2023 with folk songs about Uncle Ho and family and homeland affection. These achievements are not only rewards for individual efforts, but also vivid proof of the vitality and lasting educational value of folk songs in schools.

It can be affirmed that in the age of technology, when many children are easily drawn into the virtual world, folk songs are the thread that keeps them connected to what is real, close and rich in humanity. I believe that cultivating love for the homeland and national culture must start from simple, natural things like that. And folk songs - with all their simplicity and depth - are one of the silent but very persistent "teachers" in the journey of educating the souls of today's young generation.

PV: Thank you for the conversation!