Lesson 2: Building Happiness from the "Seeds" of Happiness

Amidst numerous difficulties and challenges, Yen Bai has taken a bold step by becoming the first locality to introduce...

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Models of happiness

Laughter echoed through the courtyard of Mu Cang Chai Ethnic Boarding Junior High School. The Hmong children were enthusiastically participating in extracurricular activities. Teacher Mua The Quynh, the school principal, shared: "Previously, our students were very shy and withdrawn. But since the school implemented the 'Happy School' model, they have become more confident, happier, and their academic performance has improved."

Evaluations show that the "Happy School" model has created positive changes in the awareness and actions of both teachers and students. Students come to school not only to learn knowledge, but also to develop comprehensively in terms of physical, mental, and life skills; 100% of staff, teachers, and students have been informed and educated about the model; a friendly, safe, and healthy educational environment has been built. In the 2023-2024 school year, the percentage of students with good and excellent grades increased from 65% to 72%; the percentage of students violating school regulations decreased from 5% to 2%.

According to Ms. Nguyen Thuy Nhung, Deputy Head of the Education and Training Department of Mu Cang Chai District, all schools in the district have implemented the model with many creative approaches, suitable to the actual conditions of each school. Throughout the district, 32 out of 37 schools have been recognized as meeting the "Happy School" standard. This model has created positive changes in the educational environment. Students learn in a friendly and safe space; teachers are respected and encouraged to develop their creative abilities; and parents are satisfied with the quality of education.

The "Happy School" model has truly breathed new life into the education sector in Yen Bai. Students not only come to school to acquire knowledge, but also to experience joy, safety, and holistic development. The relationship between teachers and students has become closer and friendlier, creating an ideal learning environment where students feel loved, respected, and inspired by a passion for learning. Statistics from the Department of Education and Training show that the percentage of students with good and excellent academic results has increased significantly in recent years. The number of students winning high awards in provincial and national competitions is also on the rise; the rate of student dropout and school violence has decreased significantly.

Hoang Thi Linh, an 11th-grade student at Nguyen Tat Thanh Specialized High School, shared: "I feel very happy to be studying in an environment where teachers always care, listen, and create the best conditions for our development. Extracurricular activities and clubs at school are very diverse and beneficial, giving us opportunities to comprehensively develop our skills and interests."

The "Happy School" model contributes to creating a joyful and exciting learning environment for students.

Alongside the "Happy School" model, many localities in the province have built and implemented the "Happy Village" and "Happy Commune" models with specific criteria tailored to the actual conditions of each locality. Observations at Hanh Phuc village, Tan Hop commune, Van Yen district, show that since being selected as a pilot model for the "Happy Village" in March 2022, the area has undergone remarkable changes.

The national power grid has illuminated every house, and concrete roads stretch across the village, connecting the homes at the end of the hamlet. Income from cinnamon cultivation has skyrocketed, with many households earning between 500 million and 1 billion VND per year; the poverty rate has decreased to nearly 4% and is expected to fall to 1.83% this year. The living environment has also been improved with household waste disposal pits, kilometers of illuminated power lines, and vibrant flower-lined roads, creating a new look for this rural area…

Meanwhile, in Muong Lai commune, Luc Yen district, the locality has developed a plan to improve the Happiness Index with 5 main groups of solutions: economic development and income improvement; ensuring social security; developing culture and education; protecting the environment; and strengthening good governance.

Mr. Trieu Van Thuoc, Chairman of the People's Committee of Muong Lai commune, shared: "After implementing solutions to improve the Happiness Index, the average per capita income of the commune has increased from 28 million VND/person/year (at the beginning of the term) to 43.5 million VND/person/year (in 2024); the number of poor households has decreased from 462 to 116; and people are satisfied with public services." In Lam Thuong commune, Luc Yen district, the "Happy Commune" model has also been implemented with a focus on developing agricultural production towards commercialization and preserving traditional cultural values. "The 'Happy Commune' model not only helps improve the material life but also enhances the spiritual life of the people. People now not only have food and clothing, but also enjoy cultural and spiritual values," Mr. Hoang Ngoc Du, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of the commune, happily shared.

Spillover effect

With "happiness" at its core, Yen Bai province has reviewed and adjusted existing policies; at the same time, it has issued many new policies aimed at positively impacting the factors and core elements that constitute the Happiness Index. In the economic field, the province focuses on developing potential industries, creating many high-quality jobs with stable incomes for the people. Programs supporting startups, developing collective and farm economies have been widely implemented, especially in rural areas and areas inhabited by ethnic minorities.

In the field of education, Yen Bai has focused on investing in infrastructure, improving the quality of the teaching staff, and innovating teaching methods towards the comprehensive development of students' abilities and qualities. The "Happy School" model has been implemented throughout the province, creating a safe, friendly, and positive learning environment where students feel loved, respected, and can develop their potential. The healthcare sector has also received special attention with investments in upgrading facilities, modern medical equipment, improving the quality of medical examinations and treatment, and expanding community health care programs.

Policies supporting health insurance for the poor, disadvantaged, and those eligible for social welfare programs have helped alleviate the burden of healthcare costs for the people, contributing to improved health and peace of mind in life. Environmental protection and cultural development, including tree planting programs, forest protection, and waste management, have been strongly implemented, aiming to build a green, clean, and beautiful living environment. Cultural, sports, and tourism activities are encouraged, enriching the spiritual lives of the people and preserving and promoting traditional cultural values.

The "seeds" of happiness, firmly established at the individual, family, and community levels, have created a powerful ripple effect throughout Yen Bai society. After more than four years of implementing the Resolution of the 19th Provincial Party Congress, Yen Bai province has recorded significant progress. By the end of 2024, the province's overall happiness index reached 66.52%, an increase of 13.22% compared to 2020. The three main pillars of this index all showed positive changes: life satisfaction increased from 40.71% (2020) to 57.71% (2024); average life expectancy improved from approximately 70 years (with 41.6% rating it highly) to 79.15%; and satisfaction with the living environment increased dramatically from 31.8% to 68.67%.

At the same time, many outstanding social indicators have been completed and exceeded the plan: 88.7% of schools achieved the "Happy School" status, over 90% of families met the "Happy Family" criteria, the patient satisfaction rate exceeded 95%, and the poverty rate decreased by 3.41%... These results show that the province's development orientation of "green, harmonious, distinctive, and happy" is gradually improving the quality of life for its people. Each happy individual spreads positive energy to those around them.

Happy families contribute to building happy communities. And a happy community creates a happy society. Yen Bai's "happiness building" strategy is on the right track and yielding increasingly tangible results. The story of Yen Bai's "happiness building" journey is not only a source of pride for its people but also a profound humanistic value worthy of being shared with other localities across the country.

Hung Cuong

Final article: Steadfastly moving forward on the journey to "Happy Awakening"

Source: https://baoyenbai.com.vn/215/347841/Bai-2--Kien-tao-hanh-phuc-tu-nhung-hat-nhan-hanh-phuc.aspx