Listening to the voices of students in the highlands

Tra Van Secondary Boarding School for Ethnic Minorities (Tra Van Commune), where learning conditions are still difficult, the voices of ethnic minority students are always listened to and spread by teachers.

Listening to students' voices to build happy schools. Photo: SONG THANH

Mailbox of things I want to say

Tra Van Secondary Boarding School for Ethnic Minorities has 8 classes with 257 students.

The school's Youth Union has implemented the model "Mailbox of things I want to say" to help students express their opinions, send their thoughts, feelings, ideas or concerns about their studies, activities and daily life.

Every Friday, teacher Nguyen Hong Xuyen, the school’s Team Leader, opens the “Mailbox of Things I Want to Say” located in the team room. From these small letters, the Board of Directors and teachers not only listen to the students’ thoughts and feelings but also help them find solutions, contributing to improving their confidence and ability to express themselves.

That seemingly simple activity has become an important bridge between teachers and students, helping to spread the voices of highland students, while nurturing a sense of responsibility, courage and aspiration to rise up.

Teacher Nguyen Hong Xuyen shared that the model "Mailbox of things I want to say" was built from the 2020 - 2021 school year. At first, the students were quite shy, only daring to look but not daring to write, the mailbox was still quiet. However, thanks to the encouragement and enthusiastic guidance of teachers, the students gradually became bolder, confidently recording their thoughts, expressing their wishes, from small issues such as living hours, school supplies, to suggestions to help the class be more fun and connected.

Ho Thi My, a student of class 9/1, shared: “Thanks to the mailbox, I have gradually become more confident in expressing my thoughts. Before, I often kept my worries and difficulties in studying to myself, but now I can share frankly with my teachers. Every time I receive advice or encouragement, I feel more confident and understand that my voice is also important. These activities help me feel more connected and love my school more.”

After 5 years of implementation, from seemingly simple suggestions from students, the school has improved many issues in boarding activities, such as adjusting the schedule to be more reasonable, adding learning tools and improving the quality of meals.

In addition, learning activities also become more effective thanks to teachers listening to students' feedback and adjusting teaching methods to suit their needs and abilities.

The model not only helps students practice expressing their opinions and become more confident, but also gradually forms a friendly and close educational environment, where each student feels their voice is respected and their self-worth is recognized.

The joy of highland students when they celebrate their birthday. Photo: SONG THANH

The school understands the thoughts and aspirations of each student, thereby each cadre, teacher and staff member raises their sense of responsibility and at the same time trains themselves in teaching as well as in daily life.

Mr. Ngo Dinh Cuong, Vice Principal of Tra Van Secondary School for Ethnic Minorities, shared: “The model "Mailbox of what I want to say" is an important bridge between students and teachers, as well as between the school and family. Every week, the Board of Directors, teachers, and Team Leaders directly open the mailbox, read and resolve students' opinions. Confidential and sensitive letters will be handled separately, ensuring privacy between the school and the students themselves, creating a learning environment that is both serious and friendly and close.”

Create a friendly educational environment

To raise students' awareness and responsibility about children's rights and duties, the Youth Union of Tra Van Secondary School for Ethnic Minorities has organized many activities to propagate the Law on Children for team members from grades 6 to 9.

Through creative models such as the Children's Rights Club, the Young Pioneers Propaganda Team and the Young Pioneers Radio Team, students have the opportunity to express their voices, aspirations and responsibilities towards school, family and society.

During boarding activities, the school organizes conversations with teachers, so that students can speak up and express their thoughts and opinions about studying, living and the school environment, while also helping the Board of Directors promptly grasp students' thoughts, thereby providing appropriate orientations and adjustments to create a friendly educational environment.

After the program, the school also organized monthly birthday parties for students. The atmosphere became warm when teachers and friends sent wishes, shared joy, and encouraged students whose birthdays were in the month.

Models such as "Letterbox of what I want to say", dialogue sessions and propaganda activities on children's rights have become a strong bridge between students, teachers and schools. From those small steps, each student is gradually growing up, becoming more confident, moving towards a bright and hopeful future.

Source: https://baodanang.vn/lang-nghe-tieng-noi-hoc-tro-vung-cao-3311279.html