The program “Spring of Love” by the students of An Luong Dong High School

The bus “Journey of Love”

On January 19 (the 20th day of Tet), the bus “Journey of Love”, carrying 45 young members of the Skills and Lac-Radio Club from An Luong Dong High School (Phu Loc), traveled along winding mountain roads to reach a branch of Thuong Lo Primary School in Thuong Lo Commune. The students brought with them 142 Tet gift packages to support children in the highland region facing many hardships and shortages.

Welcoming the students from An Luong Dong High School were the innocent, joyful smiles of the children, which seemed to chase away the early morning chill of the highlands. Amid the vibrant atmosphere of spring, the small gifts from the students of An Luong Dong High School brought a sense of the early season, helping the children and their families enjoy a warmer and more festive Tet holiday. In addition to giving gifts, members of the two clubs from An Luong Dong High School also brought lively energy to the children through cultural performances, interactive games with prizes, etc.

Phan Quoc Son, an 11B7 student and the president of the Skills Club at An Luong Dong High School shared: “The journey “Spring of Love” has left me with many emotions and a deeper understanding of the lives of those facing much more difficulties than mine. When giving gifts and organizing games for the students of Thuong Lo Primary School, seeing their innocent and joyful smiles made me feel happy knowing that I contributed a small effort to bring them joy. This is a memorable journey in my school life, teaching me to learn and love even more”.

 Vinh Ninh Primary School giving Tet gifts to policy households and disadvantaged families in the ward area

More than 140 Tet gift packages, worth over 24 million VND, were the result of days of fundraising efforts by high school students to purchase gifts for primary school students. Members of the Skills Club and the Lac-Radio Club went to each class so that each student could give to the donation box themselves. They also set up a clothing stall to raise funds for the program. Son shared: “Setting up a clothing stall to raise funds was an exciting activity that left us with many unforgettable memories. We made posters for the stall ourselves, sold each piece of clothing, and every day, we hoped to sell more to raise funds as much as possible”.

Le Van Thien, teacher, Secretary of the Youth Union at An Luong Dong High School shared that the “Spring of Love” program is an annual event organized by the school to enhance moral and ideological education for young union members while promoting the spirit of “mutual support and mutual love” through charitable and social activities. To fund the trip, the school’s Youth Union launched various initiatives, such as encouraging direct cash donations and contributions via the Union’s fan page from students, teachers, alumni, and sponsors. They also set up stalls to sell items like pens, notebooks, lucky money envelopes, and clothing. Through this activity, students had the opportunity to participate in organizing and planning, as well as writing scripts for the program. These efforts helped them develop skills, raise responsibility, and boost the spirit of teamwork to accomplish the assigned tasks.

The Spring of sharing

Just before Tet, Vinh Ninh Primary School (Thuan Hoa District) organized a program titled “Tet of Solidarity – Meaningful Market”. This was not only a cultural exchange and traditional education activity but also an opportunity for the students to express their compassion and share love. In addition to the fun Tet activities and welcoming the Spring, Vinh Ninh Primary School raised 117 million VND through the generous contributions of parents and sponsors.

With this support, Vinh Ninh Primary School provided 120 shopping vouchers worth 360,000 VND each to 30 policy households, disadvantaged families in Vinh Ninh Ward, as well as students from two special education classes, staff, and students with difficult circumstances of the school. Additionally, the school donated 2,500,000 VND to support 5 students suffering from severe illnesses. Furthermore, Vinh Ninh Primary School also gave 65 gift packages (worth 200,000 VND each) to special education students from An Dong Primary School, Ngu Binh Primary School, and students with difficult circumstances at Tay Loc Primary School.

On the last afternoon of the year, the school leaders of Vinh Ninh Primary School visited and donated 70 gift packages (worth 200,000 VND each) to 70 pediatric cancer patients receiving treatment at Hue Central Hospital. Ms. Nguyen Ngoc Minh Trang, Principal of Vinh Ninh Primary School, shared: “In the joyful atmosphere of welcoming the new year, there are still many people facing difficult situations, illnesses that require the community’s support. Every Tet, Vinh Ninh Primary School always cares for the young pediatric cancer patients receiving treatment at Hue Central Hospital. Although the gifts are small, they carry great emotional meaning”.

During Tet, alongside the fun activities celebrating the new year, schools organize fundraising to deliver loving gifts to students with difficult circumstances and impoverished families in the community, or visit children undergoing treatment in hospitals. According to Ms. Nguyen Ngoc Minh Trang, the love you give away is the love that lasts forever, and a child’s success comes from love. Therefore, the school frequently organizes charitable activities during Mid-Autumn Festival and Tet holidays to teach students the spirit of sharing and solidarity. This helps spread love and encourages mutual support for children facing illness, or those facing difficulties in life so that they can enjoy a warm and joyful spring season.

Story and photos: Minh Hien