Training activities to raise awareness about child protection were implemented in Hoang Chau commune.
Based on this reality, the project "Enhancing Community Capacity in Preventing and Combating Physical Violence Against Children," funded by the Terre des Hommes Foundation of the Federal Republic of Germany, was implemented in Thanh Hoa province from November 2023 to October 2026. The project was carried out by the Thanh Hoa Provincial Association for the Protection of People with Disabilities, Orphans, and Children's Rights in 11 key communes and wards across the province. The main goal was to help children live in a safe environment, free from corporal punishment, yelling, or other forms of harmful punishment.
A notable aspect of the project is its focus not only on children but also on the community. Because for children to be protected, adults must first change their perceptions. Parents, caregivers, local officials, teachers, community organizations, and even respected individuals in the village are invited to participate in communication activities, training, and community events.
At community centers or schools, many activities are organized in a friendly and easy-to-understand manner. Instead of dry lectures, people discuss everyday situations such as how to handle children who are slow learners, stubborn children who disobey or argue with adults. From there, everyone is guided on positive disciplinary methods instead of physical punishment.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Ngoc from Hoang Chau commune shared: "Previously, whenever my child misbehaved, I would yell at and hit them, thinking that would make them afraid. But after participating in these activities, I realized that sometimes it is the anger of adults that easily hurts children. Now, instead of using corporal punishment, I spend more time talking to and explaining things to my child."
Not only parents, but children also participate in the project's activities. They learn about children's rights, self-defense skills, how to share their experiences when facing violence, and are encouraged to express their thoughts. This is very important because many children used to think that being hit or scolded was normal and therefore did not dare to speak up.
According to project information, more than 80 community activities have been organized to date, with over 4,000 participants, including more than 1,500 children. In addition, the public address systems in 11 communes and wards have broadcast over 400 times informational messages on preventing child violence, positive parenting skills, and non- corporal punishment methods. It is estimated that nearly 35,000 people have received information through these activities.
In many localities, people are beginning to change their thinking about raising children. While previously, hitting children was often seen as a parent's right, now many understand that children also have the right to be respected and protected. Sayings like "punish them to teach them a lesson" or "children won't grow up without punishment" are gradually being reconsidered.
Fortunately, the project received a fairly positive response from local authorities and the community. Organizations and associations coordinated their participation, and schools facilitated students' participation in extracurricular activities on preventing child violence. Many residents, after receiving training, became active advocates in their own communities. Many people heard and understood for the first time the harmful effects of physical violence on children. These injuries are not just physical wounds, but also have long-term effects on a child's psychology, emotions, and development. A child who is frequently beaten or scolded may become fearful, lose confidence, or become easily angered and violent towards others.
The project also pays special attention to vulnerable groups of children such as children with disabilities, orphans, and children from impoverished or disadvantaged backgrounds. These are children at high risk of violence but have fewer opportunities to be protected or to speak up.
Nevertheless, the implementation process still faced certain difficulties. Some officials lacked communication skills, while the merger of administrative units led to significant personnel changes at the local level. However, overall, the activities were implemented on schedule and met the set goals. More importantly, the project is creating fundamental change, namely a change in community awareness. When adults understand that love does not mean pampering, and strictness does not necessarily mean violence, children will have the opportunity to grow up in a more positive environment.
The valuable aspect of the project lies not only in the activity figures or the number of participants, but also in the fact that many people have truly changed their perspective on raising children. They understand that children don't need to grow up in fear to become good people. What children need is to be loved, guided, and respected.
A child raised in a safe environment will be more confident, more loving, and have a greater chance of holistic development. And when the community works together to protect children, scolding and corporal punishment will gradually be replaced by listening and understanding. This is also a way to preserve a peaceful childhood for children today and in the future.
Text and photos: Tran Hang
Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/bo-don-roi-de-giu-tuoi-tho-binh-yen-287597.htm
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