Small soldier, big journey

No chalk, blackboards, or graded tests, yet the lessons here are deeply etched in childhood memories. This is the "Military Semester," organized by the Sunkids Life Skills Center (Ha Giang 1 Ward). There, young soldiers don the green uniform of a soldier, honing their character, discipline, and maturing through practical experiences.

One playground, many valuable experiences.

In early July, siblings Lo Bao Duoc (10 years old) and Lo Duc Bao (8 years old) traveled over 150 km from Son Vi border commune to Sunkids Life Skills Center to participate in a 12-day, 11-night "Military Semester." "When we heard we were going, my brother and I were both excited and worried because we had never been away from our parents. But when we put on the military uniforms, made many new friends, and were taken care of by the teachers, we didn't miss home anymore," Duoc recounted.

The discipline lesson for these young soldiers begins with a neatly folded blanket.

The majority of participants in the "Military Semester" are elementary and middle school students. Starting at 5:30 a.m. each morning, the young cadets wake up, neatly fold their blankets, take care of personal hygiene, do exercises, and practice 16 unarmed combat movements and 8 stances… These seemingly small tasks are the initial steps in developing discipline – punctuality, proper conduct, and adherence to regulations. Furthermore, each lesson on drill and formation training, hammock setting, first aid… holds great value, instilling in them strong willpower, teamwork, and survival skills.

Teacher Nguyen Thi Truc recounted: "Once, when a student disobeyed a command, I punished the entire squad by making them stand at attention for 4 minutes. Anyone who moved had to start over. Thanks to that, the students understood that each individual action affects the group, and the group is where each person can improve themselves."

Among the nearly 40 trainees this year, Bui Tuan Binh ( from Ha Giang 2 ward) is a special case. He is not only the oldest trainee, about to enter 11th grade, but also a "veteran" who completed the "Military Summer Camp" last summer. Amidst the youthful faces of the other children, Binh stands out with his calm, composed, and mature demeanor. Binh shared: "In the first year, I only tried to memorize the 10 military oaths and 12 disciplinary rules. But this year, I understand better that the oaths are a guide to living a decent life, and discipline is the foundation of maturity."

The course atmosphere became vibrant thanks to a series of engaging experiential and skill-building activities such as: communication skills, teamwork, the "Little Soldier's Talent" competition, "Little Chef" contest, and the "Little Soldiers of the Border Region" cultural night… Each activity was an opportunity for the children to express themselves, build confidence, foster teamwork, unleash their creativity, and nurture a spirit of sharing and responsibility.

Since 2022, Sunkids Life Skills Center has organized the "Summer Camp in the Military" program, attracting over 400 young participants. Ms. Nguyen Thi Nhung, Director of the Center, stated: "We develop practical training content, assign experienced staff to provide direct instruction, and closely coordinate with relevant units to ensure the program is safe, effective, and age-appropriate. This creates a beneficial playground, helping children develop life skills, discipline, and have a truly meaningful summer."

Sow the seeds of patriotism.

Besides discipline, the "Military Semester" program also emphasizes patriotic education through many beneficial activities. Here, students watch documentaries about President Ho Chi Minh and General Vo Nguyen Giap, listen to stories about the history and traditions of the Vietnam People's Army, learn to sing 15 military songs, and pay respects at historical sites. Through each film, each story, and the stirring melodies of "March of Day and Night" and "As if Uncle Ho were present on the day of great victory," a deep and natural love for the homeland is awakened in the students.

The trainees are participating in team training.

Teacher Nguyen Thi Truc shared: “When visiting the Provincial Social Work Center, I saw that the children, without needing any prompting, spontaneously picked up brooms to sweep the yard with their friends, massaged the hands and feet of the elderly, and inquired about their health as if they were family members. These simple gestures moved me deeply. Because what the children did is the most concrete expression of compassion and a spirit of living for the community. These are the first seeds to nurture love for their homeland and country.”

During the appreciation forum held on the final night of the course, each young soldier took turns writing letters to their parents. The handwriting was still messy, with some spelling mistakes, but it was filled with so much affection – apologies for misbehavior, gratitude for silent sacrifices, and even commitments to growing up. Upon receiving a letter from her son, Bui Tuan Binh, with the neat handwriting: “Mom! Later, I want to become a soldier to continue Dad’s unfinished legacy,” Ms. Nguyen Thi Tuyet Nga couldn’t hold back her tears. She recounted: “Binh’s father was a soldier, working at the Provincial Military Command, but he passed away in 2021 due to a serious illness. Since his death, I’ve always hoped my son would understand and be proud of the path he took. Therefore, when I learned about the ‘Military Training Semester,’ I immediately registered him, seeing it as a way for him to connect more closely with the image of the father he always cherishes.” After each course, Ms. Nga noticed a clear change in her son. "From her speech to her behavior, I've noticed my child has matured significantly. In particular, she's started to study independently, setting goals and striving to achieve them," Ms. Nga shared.

Leaving the "Military Training Semester" after 12 days of training, the young cadets didn't return with heavy suitcases, but rather with precious baggage: good habits, a spirit of discipline, a compassionate heart, and a patriotism kindled from the simplest things.

Thu Phuong

Source: https://baotuyenquang.com.vn/xa-hoi/202507/chien-si-nho-hanh-trinh-lon-6704380/