Working together to nurture the 'buds on the branches'

During his lifetime, President Ho Chi Minh taught: "Children are like buds on a branch/Knowing how to eat, sleep, and study is what makes them good." Following his advice, Thai Nguyen province has implemented many activities to care for and protect children, support their learning, prevent risks, and create opportunities for skill development, aiming to ensure that no child is left behind.

The new playground of the Bac Kan Center for Supporting the Development of Inclusive Education .

One morning in late May at the Bac Kan Inclusive Education Development Support Center (Duc Xuan ward), joyful cheers echoed across the cool, clean, and beautiful courtyard.

At the children's playground recently donated by the Thai Nguyen Provincial Youth Union with a total value of 50 million VND, little feet eagerly chased after the ball, mingling with the lively music of the end-of-year school activities.

For the students here, that courtyard is something they've long awaited. The center currently has 80 students, divided into 10 classes from preschool to elementary school, most of whom have difficulties in language development, cognitive skills, or communication skills.

Lessons and specific intervention sessions continue regularly every day thanks to the perseverance of teachers and families, but a space for children to play, exercise, and bond with each other is also essential on their integration journey.

This year, on International Children's Day (June 1st), the Center was even more vibrant as it welcomed a delegation from the province who came to visit and offer encouragement. Over 170 million VND and many meaningful gifts were given to the students and the Center's Scholarship Fund: from an outdoor football field and toys to practical support for the children's studies and training.

Watching the students happily playing in the new playground, Ms. Pham Thuy Hang, Director of the Bac Kan Center for Supporting Inclusive Education Development, couldn't hide her emotion: "The attention from all levels and sectors, along with the practical gifts, has brought joy and is a great source of encouragement for teachers, parents, and the children themselves. Today, the children are very happy and joyful."

Medical staff conduct health checkups for students at Phung Chi Kien Kindergarten.

From the joy of a special school, the picture of childcare in the province also emerges with many bright colors. By the end of 2025, the province will have 432,734 children, of which more than 131,000 are under 6 years old. While the majority of children are cared for and educated in increasingly better conditions, there are still 4,378 children with special circumstances and over 38,600 children at risk of falling into special circumstances; more than 32,000 children are living in poor and near-poor households.

Behind those figures lie numerous stories of inadequate learning conditions, gaps in access to care services, and barriers that make children's journeys to adulthood even more challenging. Therefore, the protection and care of children continues to be maintained by all levels and sectors through many practical solutions.

In recent times, social assistance policies for vulnerable groups, including children, have been implemented comprehensively; medical examination and treatment for children from poor and near-poor households, children under 6 years old, and children with special circumstances have received attention.

In 2025, numerous programs supporting education, healthcare, and fostering compassion will be organized, ranging from bringing children with special circumstances to children's programs, supporting congenital heart disease screening and heart surgery for disadvantaged children, to awarding scholarships, gifts, and providing support for daily life and studies for children in grassroots and community settings.

During the recent International Children's Day and Mid-Autumn Festival, provincial delegations visited numerous schools, welfare facilities, and inclusive education centers to distribute hundreds of gifts to children in special and difficult circumstances. The Provincial Children's Protection Fund also provided support to 557 children and many educational and childcare facilities with a total budget of over 700 million VND.

As we enter the 2026 Children's Action Month, the care, education, and protection of children in the province will continue to be a consistent focus, rather than being confined to temporary activities.

With the theme "Happy, Safe, and Confident Children in the Digital Age," this year's action month continues to focus on creating a safe and healthy living environment for children; strengthening communication and education on risk prevention skills, accident and injury prevention, drowning prevention, and abuse prevention; and raising awareness about protecting children in the digital environment.

From new playgrounds, skills classes, and summer experiential activities to special care for children in disadvantaged and vulnerable situations, the work of caring for children is being extended through many concrete actions at the grassroots level. This contributes to ensuring that the laughter of childhood resounds every day, and that these "young sprouts" grow up safely and confidently.

Source: https://baothainguyen.vn/xa-hoi/202606/chung-tay-cham-bup-tren-canh-58452fd/