Where the "tuition fee" is smiles and dreams.

Every weekend, the headquarters of wards 4, 5, and 6 (Phu Thanh ward, Ho Chi Minh City) is always more bustling than usual. In the small room, the voices of teachers from the special class called the Green Firefly Club resonate – a place that supports many underprivileged children.

From idea to reality

Having been involved in Youth Union activities for many years, Nguyen Van Kieu (born in 1999, a member of the Executive Committee of the Phu Thanh Ward Youth Union) noticed that some areas still face difficulties, especially the rows of rented houses and accommodation areas for young workers. The pressure of making a living forces many to work overtime, drive for ride-hailing services, or engage in additional trading after work, leaving little time to supervise their children's studies.

Driven by this empathy, Mr. Kieu nurtured the idea of ​​opening a class to support the children of young workers and disadvantaged children. After a period of preparation, in March 2022, the class began its trial operation under the name Green Firefly Club.

The special class of the Green Firefly Club accompanies many underprivileged children.

In the early stages, the club faced numerous difficulties: a shortage of personnel, little public awareness, and parents' hesitation to send their children there… “Our love for children and our desire to create practical activities that resonate with the thoughts and aspirations of young workers after the Covid-19 pandemic motivated us to persevere in finding solutions,” said Mr. Nguyen Van Kieu.

Through numerous meetings, outreach and awareness campaigns, and with the support of the Party Committee and the People's Committee of the ward, the club gradually stabilized and operated more systematically. On October 15, 2022, the club was officially established with a clear organizational structure and expanded scale.

Currently, more than 60 teachers and volunteers are involved in teaching Math, Vietnamese, English, and soft skills to 28 children. There, no one has to pay tuition fees, no one receives a salary; only the hearts of volunteers working together to nurture knowledge and dreams for the children of young workers and disadvantaged children.

Nguyen Thi Mai Phuong, Secretary of the Phu Thanh Ward Youth Union, commented: "The effectiveness of the club is clearly shown through the smiles and progress of the children, along with positive feedback from parents and the Party branch secretaries and neighborhood leaders in the surrounding area."

Working together and contributing

Nguyen Ngoc Lan Anh (born in 2006), in charge of the professional group, has been involved with the club since its inception. At that time, Lan Anh was still a high school student, participating with a supportive mindset. But the more she interacted with children, the more she loved them and decided to pursue a degree in Educational Management at Ho Chi Minh City University of Education.

Currently a second-year university student, Lan Anh applies her knowledge from university while also collaborating with primary school teachers to develop a teaching curriculum for the club. Classes are held regularly from 6 PM to 7:30 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.

During the summer, the classes are held more frequently, and additional content focusing on soft skills is included. Outside of class hours, the club also organizes extracurricular activities to help students broaden their knowledge and gain practical experience.

From July 14th to August 14th, Che Ma Kinh Lac (born in 2005, of Chinese descent), a student at the Ho Chi Minh City University of Foreign Languages ​​and Information Technology, and volunteers from the Green Summer campaign provided support at the club. Although the time was short, a close bond was quickly formed through lively lessons, especially in conversational English with interesting illustrations, which helped students learn effectively.

"The students always listened attentively to the lectures, confidently participated in discussions, and completed all their assignments. This will certainly be an unforgettable memory for me," Kinh Lac confided.

As soon as his shift ended, Mr. Cao Tan Khoa (born in 1979, residing on Tran Thu Do Street, Phu Thanh Ward) hurried to the class to pick up his child. Watching his daughter, Cao Thi Hong Anh, diligently writing, he smiled softly: “Thanks to this class, my daughter has made many friends, become more active and studious. My family greatly appreciates and is grateful for it.”

And so, the Green Firefly Club persistently lights up small dreams day after day. This is how young people quietly learn from and follow Uncle Ho's teachings, dedicating their minds to contributing to the future generation.

Supporting disadvantaged children, young workers, and the children of young workers has always been a key task of the Phu Thanh Ward Youth Union.

"Each care activity not only brings joy and timely encouragement, but also contributes to creating a solid foundation for the children to be confident, mature, and become useful citizens," shared Nguyen Thi Mai Phuong, Secretary of the Ward Youth Union.

Many activities have been implemented, such as awarding "Pink Smile" scholarships, donating school supplies, and opening summer review classes. In the future, the Phu Thanh Ward Youth Union will continue to mobilize diverse social resources to maintain and expand scholarship programs, free classes, and creative spaces for children.

At the same time, organize experiential learning and career guidance; apply technology to connect and support online learning, helping students access new knowledge and skills.

CAM TUYET

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/noi-hoc-phi-la-nu-cuoi-va-uoc-mo-post818930.html