I Want To Go To School

Written by Ho Thi Quynh Tram – UADP Project Assistant, District 4, HCM City
 
“I’m not allowed to go to school and my mum and step-dad often hit me,” said 13-year-old Trang, from Ho Chi Minh City, as she told her life story with tears welling in her eyes.

The young teenager explained she does not have a birth certificate and her parents force her to work rather than attend school, while her younger sister is allowed time to relax.

Trang was speaking at a forum organised by World Vision’s Urban Area Development Programme in District 4 and local authorities. The forum, held on 12 July and entitled ‘Equal living conditions for all children’, encouraged local children like the girl to describe their problems and hopes for a better future.

The children focused on six main topics: healthcare, environmental education, entertainment, showing and receiving love, social problem prevention, and child participation. These topics were presented through a variety of means, including short plays, art and discussions.

In particular, the children talked about not having birth certificates, not being allowed to attend school, being beaten by their parents or other caregivers, and being punished at school for not paying fees in full. A number of the children’s parents attended the forum, as did local officials who promised to take action over the salient issues raised.

Ms Nguyen Thi Hong Hanh, a member of the local government’s legal team, said she would ensure Trang was issued with a birth certificate, while representatives from the education department committed to helping her go to school and to take better care of other children who are unjustly punished by their teachers or parents.

However, the local authorities recognised that there are many other disadvantaged children in the district who are yet to feature in their reports. As such, they will do further work to provide better care for local children.

“We’ll consider the issues raised today and work together to improve the children’s lives,” said Mr Bui Quoc Tuan, Director of the Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs Department. “We will revise our policies to create more equal living conditions for all local children,” he continued.