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| Village courtyards, fields, or roadside meadows... though simple, they are meaningful playgrounds for many rural children. |
On a summer afternoon, on the dike bordering the village fields, five-year-old Ha My (from Kim Tra ward) and her friends ride bikes, fly kites, and play ball. For many rural children, village courtyards, grassy areas, or countryside fields remain familiar playgrounds during summer holidays.
Mr. Tran Van Nhat, Ha My's father, said that his family always encourages their child to participate in outdoor activities instead of using a phone. According to Mr. Nhat, traditional games not only help children exercise but also create opportunities for them to communicate, socialize, and explore the world around them. "What worries me most is that during the summer, young children are often very active and like to play near ponds, lakes, and streams. If there were more playgrounds or organized activities by the local authorities, parents would feel more at ease," Mr. Nhat shared.
In recent years, many localities have paid more attention to organizing summer activities for children. From swimming lessons and skills camps to sports and arts playgrounds, children in rural areas have had more opportunities to play, train, and develop themselves.
At Hoa Sen Educational Farm (Phu Loc commune), the Little Warrior Summer Camp for children aged 9 to 14 is organized to help them temporarily disconnect from electronic devices, develop independence, and acquire survival skills. Last May, the People's Committee of Phong Thai ward organized a swimming program for nearly 400 fifth-grade students. They were instructed in basic swimming skills such as floating, kicking, and handling dangerous situations in the water. In Phong Phu ward, many summer activities are also implemented to create healthy playgrounds for children. Dien Loc Secondary School organized training on accident prevention, drowning prevention, and the 4th "Green Race" swimming competition. According to Mr. Nguyen Dang Thuan, Principal of Dien Loc Secondary School, through these classes and swimming competitions, students are equipped with the necessary skills to protect themselves from the risk of drowning, while also having a healthy recreational environment after the school year ends.
In early June, the Phu Bai Ward Public Service Center organized summer talent classes including football, swimming, and badminton for young people in the area. According to Mr. Phan Huu Son, Vice Chairman of the Phu Bai Ward People's Committee, through these sports activities, the children improve their health, foster a spirit of solidarity, discipline, and teamwork skills.
However, not all children have the conditions and space to play. Therefore, the need for community playgrounds, skills classes, and experiential activities for children is becoming increasingly necessary. The system of playgrounds for children in rural areas still has gaps. Many children still mainly play in open fields, along roadsides, or find their way to ponds, lakes, and streams on hot days. Another group spends most of their time on phones and the internet.
According to many local officials, the biggest challenge currently is the limited funding available for children's playgrounds, while the need for investment in facilities and equipment for recreational and sports activities is quite significant. Children need not only playgrounds but also environments to learn skills, improve their physical fitness, and develop holistically. Investing in children's playgrounds is therefore not just about creating a community gathering place, but also about investing in the development of future generations.
Source: https://huengaynay.vn/doi-song/them-san-choi-cho-tre-em-nong-thon-167019.html
