"Supporting the steps" of children in mountainous regions.

Children in the mountainous villages of the province are receiving more attention and better care thanks to the implementation of many practical models. Among them, the "Child Care and Education" model implemented by women's associations at all levels in the province has brought about many positive changes, serving as a support system for mothers to learn how to raise healthy and well-behaved children, contributing to improving their quality of life.

Sharing experiences in caring for young children.

On a late autumn morning, the road leading to Quang Tan commune was still dotted with mist. Laughter and chatter filled the air from the Mao San Cau village cultural center, where members of the commune's "Child Care and Education " model held their regular meeting. Women of childbearing age shared stories about playing with their children, teaching them to say thank you and sorry… These seemingly simple things, however, embodied a profound shift in awareness and parenting methods in the modern era.

Ms. Hoang Thi Loan (Mao San Cau village), a member of the model, said: "I gave birth to my son in 2022. At that time, I thought raising a child only meant feeding them and keeping them warm, while education was the school's responsibility. Now I understand that parents are the first teachers of their children."

Ms. Nguyen Thi Dan Thuy, head of the "Childcare and Education" model in Quang Tan commune, shared her skills in raising young children at a family's home.

On the wooden table, propaganda materials were distributed to each person by the Women's Union officials of the commune. Today's topic was "How to have fun with children." Everyone enthusiastically discussed and shared simple family experiences: stories of children helping their mothers pick vegetables; fathers playing soccer with their children in the afternoon... These small stories are contributing to changing the perspectives and thinking of many ethnic minority parents here.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Dan Thuy, the head of the model, shared: "We maintain regular monthly meetings. In addition to direct exchanges, members also have a Zalo group to share knowledge and experiences. When parents understand more about gender equality in their children's education, children will develop more comprehensively."

From seemingly simple meetings, the model has become the "nucleus" for spreading the spirit of the Project "Propaganda and mobilization to improve nutrition and physical fitness for children in highland, ethnic minority, and mountainous areas of Quang Ninh province, 2022-2025". The model currently has 31 members, living in 10 out of 31 highland villages, many of which are ethnic minority communities. Some villages, such as Na Thong and Na Cang, have 100% ethnic minority population.

Ms. Dan Thuy added: "We not only disseminate information through meetings at the Cultural Center, but also go to each family with young children to listen and share. Many mothers with young children are hesitant, reluctant to talk, and don't know how to properly care for their children, just doing things out of habit; so we have to go to them in person and guide them step by step."

Officials from the Provincial Women's Union shared knowledge on raising children with women in Ky Thuong commune.

These practical activities have helped many women in the highlands change. They learned to listen to their children, respect them, and share household chores with their husbands. As a result, domestic violence and gender inequality gradually receded, giving way to peace and love in each home.

Ms. Nguyen Thu Thuy, President of the Women's Union of Quang Tan commune, said: "The 'Caring for and Educating Young Children' model is very meaningful. These activities and conversations help women understand that they have the right to be respected and protected. When women become more confident, the whole community becomes more progressive."

Profound humanistic significance

On July 7, 2023, the Provincial People's Committee issued Decision No. 1889/QD-UBND approving the Project "Propaganda and mobilization to improve nutrition and physical fitness for children in highland, ethnic minority, and mountainous areas of Quang Ninh province in the period 2022-2025". In implementing the Project, various levels and sectors have adopted creative and effective approaches. The Provincial Women's Union has become a core and pioneering force in propaganda and mobilization work, implementing many practical models and projects, including the "Childcare and Education" model.

The Standing Committee of the Provincial Women's Union issued a plan to establish and launch 16 "Child Care and Education" models in 16 communes across 7 districts, towns, and cities: Ha Long, Ba Che, Binh Lieu, Tien Yen, Dam Ha, Hai Ha, and Van Don. The model aims to create conditions and an environment for mothers and caregivers of children under 5 years old in communes with high rates of malnutrition to participate in activities, exchange experiences, share knowledge, and improve their skills in scientific child care and nurturing; ensuring optimal intellectual and physical development for children.

After July 1, 2025 (when the two-tiered local government system is implemented), this model will continue to be maintained, strengthened, and operate stably. In mountainous communes, regular meetings will still take place, with increasingly diverse content, closely linked to the realities of people's lives.

The "Child Care and Education" model in Ky Thuong commune currently has 60 members, all women with children aged 5 and under. During group meetings, members combine practical training with guidance on cooking nutritious meals, helping women learn and apply the skills easily to their daily lives. Members and the model's leader regularly conduct home-based care and guidance, visiting individual households with young children to teach parenting skills. These informal classes, without blackboards or chalk, have helped women gain more confidence in raising their children with love and knowledge.

Ms. La Thi Hoa, the head of the model, shared: “Many women in the highland villages of the commune still have limited knowledge about childcare and raising children. Through the activities, the women are guided on how to recognize malnutrition, how to cook nutritious meals, and how to play and talk to stimulate children's intellectual development. Many mothers said that since participating in the model, their children eat better and get sick less often.”

Thanks to persistent efforts, the model was quickly embraced by the people of Ky Thuong commune. Women actively participated, sharing experiences and supporting each other in caring for their children. Children received better care and attention, and the rate of malnutrition decreased year by year. Many children who were previously frail and pale are now healthy and alert. The image of mothers carrying their children to community activities has become familiar and heartwarming, a beautiful cultural feature of the highlands.

Participating in the program, women in Khe Nháng village (Kỳ Thượng commune) bring their children to the village's cultural center to learn parenting skills.

Ms. Pham Thi The, Chairwoman of the Women's Union of Ky Thuong commune, said: "This model is a practical activity within the Project 'Propaganda and mobilization to improve nutrition and physical health for children in highland and ethnic minority areas of Quang Ninh province in the period 2022-2025,' aiming to raise awareness and skills in scientific child-rearing for ethnic minority women. We want to help mothers understand that caring for children is not just about feeding them and keeping them warm, but also about giving them love and ensuring their holistic development. The awareness sessions are all linked to reality, such as guiding parents on how to talk to their children, teaching them to greet others, maintaining personal hygiene, and preventing seasonal diseases... Small changes have a huge impact on children's development."

The "Child Care and Education" model, currently being developed and implemented in communes with high rates of child malnutrition in the province, is considered a model of profound humanitarian significance. From small changes in meals and sleep to the maturation of parents' awareness, the model has been, is, and will continue to spread positive values ​​of love, responsibility, and faith in the future. In these disadvantaged areas, the innocent laughter of children has become the clearest evidence of the model's success.

Lan Anh

Source: https://baoquangninh.vn/nang-buoc-tre-tho-vung-cao-3382685.html