Patriotic education from 'passing on the word' to 'leading the way'

Patriotism in the new flow

General Secretary To Lam speaks at the ceremony to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the education sector's tradition and the opening of the new school year 2025-2026 on the morning of September 5. Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac

Patriotism is the red thread running through the history of the Vietnamese people. It is a sacred sentiment, forged through thousands of years of building and defending the country, becoming the immortal spiritual foundation of every Vietnamese. From heroic historical pages to everyday actions, patriotism has been, is and will continue to be a great driving force for our nation to rise up.

However, in the context of globalization and the digital age, patriotism cannot stop at slogans or sacred emotions. It needs to be concretized into civic capacity - associated with critical thinking, responsible behavior, integration awareness, and the ability to spread Vietnamese values to the world . This is a challenge, but also an opportunity to educate patriotism with a new, more modern and substantial appearance.

Love of the Fatherland - not only heritage, but inner strength

The opening ceremony of the 2025-2026 school year was solemnly held. Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac

In the Vietnamese mind, patriotism is a precious heritage passed down from generation to generation. However, in the era of globalization, this value cannot remain in its traditional form. It needs to be “transformed” into an inner strength – a practical ability that helps Vietnamese citizens confidently step out into the world.

A young patriot today does not only know how to sing the National Anthem or memorize historical achievements. They need to know how to protect cultural identity, behave civilly in the international community, participate in creativity and innovation to improve the country's position. Patriotism, accordingly, becomes the driving force that motivates them to strive, study, and contribute - from science labs, creative startup spaces to community activities.

Modern school: Not just learning history, but living with history

Teachers and students of Marie Curie Secondary School (Hanoi) on the first day of school. Photo: baochinhphu.vn

If in the past, patriotic education was mainly associated with subjects such as History, Literature, and Civic Education, today the requirement is to integrate it throughout the entire educational program and activities.

A history lesson is not only for students to memorize events, but also an opportunity for them to experience, role-play, re-enact, and even debate the choices of their ancestors. A civic activity hour is not just about theory, but also needs to be linked to practical projects: protecting the environment, participating in social activities, and learning about local culture.

Family, school and society - the three pillars of education - need to work closely together. Family sows the seeds of love for the homeland through oral stories; school nurtures it through experiential activities; society spreads it through culture, media, art and community. At that time, patriotism is not just a "lesson" but becomes a "living action".

Patriotism - life skills in the age of information chaos

The grand ceremony to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the success of the August Revolution (August 19, 1945 - August 19, 2025) and the National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (September 2, 1945 - September 2, 2025) took place solemnly at the historic Ba Dinh Square. Photo: VGP

In a world flooded with information, patriotism needs to be seen as a life skill. Patriotism is not just a spontaneous emotion, but the courage for citizens to protect themselves and the national image against challenges. A patriotic citizen in the digital age is someone who knows how to: Criticize information, not share fake news, not be led by toxic information streams; Behave responsibly and civilly on social networks, know how to consider each statement so as not to damage the collective reputation; Maintain the national reputation, when abroad, know how to behave properly, become a silent "cultural ambassador" for the country. Thus, patriotism today is inseparable from digital skills and global citizenship awareness.

Instead of dry lectures, patriotic education needs to be linked to specific situations in modern life. If a student accidentally shares incorrect information that causes international friends to misunderstand the country, what will he do? This is no longer a question of “right or wrong” but a lesson in civic responsibility, the courage to admit mistakes and take corrective action. Such situations help students reflect on themselves, dialogue between personal ego and community interests, between freedom of speech and social responsibility. From there, patriotism is nurtured through practical experience.

If in the past, patriotic education tended to be about “transmission” – historical lessons, heroic examples – now, it needs to shift to the role of “guidance”. Teachers do not just tell stories but also need to inspire aspirations: so that students see that patriotism means studying better, being more creative, and living more humanely. Patriotism must be linked to personal development goals. When a young person desires success to contribute to the country, that love has become the strongest motivation for action.

From emotions to civic capacity

Students during a practical class. Photo: VGP/Thu Trang

In the digital age, patriotism is not only a sacred feeling in the heart, but must be transformed into the ability to live and act practically. Education needs to turn patriotism into a compass for learning, creativity, social responsibility and global integration. Every citizen, especially the young generation, when knowing how to combine patriotism with personal aspirations, will become a valuable resource for the country to rise. A civilized word online, a kind act in real life, an initiative bearing the Vietnamese mark spreading to the world - all contribute to building the image of a proud, humane and progressive nation.

Patriotism, from the legacy of our ancestors, is becoming the inner strength of citizens in the digital age, and that strength will be the driving force for the Vietnamese people to firmly integrate, affirm their position, and move towards a prosperous and sustainable future.

Tu Huu Cong

Source: https://baodongnai.com.vn/xa-hoi/202509/giao-duc-long-yeu-nuoc-tu-truyen-loi-den-dan-loi-e06195d/