The journey to "living green"

(Baothanhhoa.vn) - In any stage of the country's development, young people have always been the pioneering force, venturing into the most difficult places. They possess enthusiasm, knowledge, and a spirit of dedication to continue the tradition of "wherever youth are needed, youth will be there; wherever there are difficulties, youth will overcome them." Today, that spirit is continued and spread strongly through volunteer activities, especially among students – young people who both study and act for the community.

The student volunteer team from the Hanoi Medical University branch campus provided free medical examinations, treatment, and medication to people in the mountainous Bat Mot commune.

In many mountainous areas of the province, the image of student volunteers has become familiar. These young people have integrated themselves into the lives of the local people, working alongside them and supporting their economic development and poverty reduction efforts. In Bat Mot commune, where medical facilities are limited, a makeshift medical station was established by the Student Volunteer Team (Hanoi Medical University Branch) using only a few tables and medical supplies. Over 1,200 students quickly divided the tasks: some measured blood pressure, others provided consultations, dispensed medicine, recorded information, and organized basic first aid training to help people improve their knowledge of handling emergencies. In addition, the students visited the homes of paralyzed patients and elderly people living alone to provide check-ups, gifts, and encouragement. Many chronic diseases are detected early and treated accordingly, helping people better understand their health status and change their lifestyle habits to prevent illness.

Student Nguyen Thang Thuyet, team leader of the Student Volunteer Team, shared: "This is the second time I've directly visited and provided medical examinations and medication to people in remote villages in the highlands. Seeing the people here feel more at ease after receiving health advice, I clearly feel the value of the profession I'm pursuing. For me, these volunteer activities are not only a learning experience, but also a personal responsibility to the community."

According to Vi Thanh Chung, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Bat Mot commune: "The activities of the commune's Youth Union and volunteer youth reaching out to the people in the highlands are a great support for the locality. The timely support from young people not only helps people access healthcare services and have a better living environment, but also serves to encourage them spiritually, motivating them to strive for a better life."

But that's not all; the blue-uniformed workers tirelessly toil on dusty roads under the scorching sun throughout their homeland, sweeping, collecting garbage, clearing pathways, and unclogging drains.

"We want to create a place that connects young people with similar ideals, sharing a belief in a better world through practical actions. The group's 'green living' journey doesn't just stop at cleaning sessions. The bigger goal is to raise community awareness about environmental protection," shared Hoang Luc, leader of the 36 Green student volunteer group.

With that goal in mind, hands accustomed to holding pens now grip brooms and shovels; their sports shoes are covered in mud, but their eyes still shine with joy. Many long-abandoned roads, overgrown with weeds, become clean and spacious within hours. Streams once littered with plastic waste are now clean again, providing safer drinking water for the people. From the bustling Sam Son beach to the foot of Nguyet Vien bridge, Lai Thanh canal, Ham Rong bridge, crowded local markets, squares, vacant lots, and inner-city streets; wherever there is trash, there are the footprints and sweat of the 36 Green volunteer youth group.

In particular, amidst the nationwide push for digital transformation, another meaningful activity of student volunteers is guiding people in using online public services. This work requires patience and pedagogical skills, as most people in mountainous areas are unfamiliar with computers, smartphones, or the internet. At the Tan Thanh Commune People's Committee, the young volunteers not only meticulously demonstrated each step but also explained why each step was necessary, helping people understand the essence of the process. Many elderly people, after their first time searching for documents on their phones, couldn't hide their joy. For them, this was a major step forward, opening up opportunities to access administrative services quickly and conveniently, without having to travel far or wait long as before.

Ms. Do Thi Huong from Buong village, Tan Thanh commune, said: "Previously, I had to go to the commune office to do paperwork. Now, thanks to the young volunteers, I've been able to register and submit documents myself via phone. At first, I was confused, but with their patient guidance, I can now operate it proficiently."

It is evident that student participation in community activities is a valuable resource. They are not only the intellectual workforce of the future, but are already active citizens, contributing with their youthful energy and abilities. Their blue uniforms will continue their journey, traversing distant lands to sow seeds of knowledge, health, faith, and hope throughout the country. For young people, volunteering is not just a temporary activity, but a way for them to affirm their responsibility and role in the sustainable development of society and the nation.

Text and photos: Phuong Do

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/hanh-trinh-song-xanh-258252.htm