I’m not Bored Anymore!

Written by: Le Thi Minh Tam – Education Project Assistant of Thuong Xuan ADP
 
“I used to be bored at weekends because I never knew what to do, except homework and chores. That all changed when I joined the local children’s club,” said 7th grader Ha Thi Thao in Thuong Xuan district. “Now I help poorer youngsters in the area with their homework and household chores at the weekends, which are a lot more fun and worthwhile than before.”

Thao is a member of the club for children, named ‘Arms of Love’. World Vision has helped to set up the club in Thuong Xuan district of Thanh Hoa province since September 2012.

The club’s ‘Light the Dream’ programme, on which Thao participates, has provided help to ten young people living in exceptionally difficult circumstances. Local teachers assisted the club’s young members to start the programme, which aims to help very poor students stay in education. The club members also learn practical life skills and come to understand the value of altruism.

The club has organised various events to encourage student participation in school-based activities such as HIV and AIDS prevention meetings, fundraising for disadvantaged pupils, and competitions highlighting child rights and child injury prevention.

"My colleagues and I used to think that poor students wouldn’t want to be involved in club activities,” said teacher Pham The Vinh. “But since I’ve been in charge of organising the club, I’ve realised that all children enjoy participating in the group and the poorest ones are often the most involved.”

The children’s club, which has 30 teenage members, holds events on the themes of child protection and child rights in schools as well as community settings.