Party General Secretary and President To Lam has called for stronger protection of children, stressing that schools must never tolerate violence or bullying.
Party General Secretary and President To Lam meets outstanding young pioneers from across the country. Photo: VNA
Party General Secretary and President To Lam stressed that protecting children cannot stop at responding after incidents occur, but must focus on early prevention, timely intervention, comprehensive support and strict punishment for all acts of abuse, violence, concealment and indifference.
The remarks were made on May 14 during a meeting with 85 outstanding members of the Ho Chi Minh Young Pioneer Organization nationwide, marking the 85th anniversary of the organization’s founding on May 15, 1941.
Welcoming the young delegates, To Lam praised the 85 children as representatives of the qualities and spirit of Vietnamese youth.
“Each child is a beautiful story,” he said.
Party General Secretary and President To Lam presents a photograph titled “Uncle Ho with children” to outstanding young pioneers nationwide. Photo: VNA
According to the Party chief and president, Vietnamese children today no longer grow up amid war, bombs or hunger, but they are facing new challenges of the modern era.
Children now enjoy better educational opportunities, broader access to knowledge and faster connectivity, he said, but they must also learn how to filter information, use technology responsibly and live with honesty, discipline, compassion and accountability.
Patriotism today, he noted, begins with serious study, healthy living, self-respect, defending what is right and refusing to stay indifferent in the face of wrongdoing.
To Lam emphasized the need to build a safe and fair environment for every child - at home, in schools, in society and online.
Every child, regardless of where they are born or their circumstances, should have equal opportunities to study, play, receive care, protection and develop fully, he said.
Above all, he stressed the importance of nurturing in children the aspiration for a stronger Vietnam - the aspiration to study better, live better, work better and serve the country more effectively - along with the belief that Vietnamese people can rise, innovate and make worthy contributions to humanity.
The Party Chief and President also spoke emotionally about the reality that many children still lack access to education, play and proper care, while others continue to face hardship, abandonment, early labor, violence and abuse.
Recent painful incidents, he said, showed that child protection cannot simply begin after tragedy strikes.
Instead, authorities and society must focus on prevention, early detection, timely support and strict handling of all acts of abuse, violence, concealment and indifference.
“A civilized society is reflected in how it protects its most vulnerable people, especially children,” he said.
Party General Secretary and President To Lam and delegates pose for a group photo with outstanding young pioneers nationwide. Photo: VNA
To Lam expressed hope that children across the country would study hard, work diligently, build moral character, maintain good health, nurture dreams and do good deeds every day.
He stressed that schools and the education sector must become safe, humane and happy spaces.
Schools should not only teach knowledge but also cultivate humanity, discipline, compassion and civic responsibility, while promptly identifying and supporting students facing hardship, emotional trauma, isolation or the risk of dropping out.
“There must absolutely be no violence, humiliation, discrimination or bullying in schools,” he said.
For families, he said grandparents, parents and caregivers must become children’s first source of love and support.
Children need to be listened to, respected, guided and protected, he said.
“Discipline is not violence. Teaching children cannot rely on scolding or neglect,” To Lam emphasized.
Every family, he added, should be a place where children grow up surrounded by love, care, trust and responsibility.
The Party chief and president called for child protection, care and education to become genuine national priorities backed by concrete policies, resources and accountability.
Policies, he said, must reach every school, residential area and disadvantaged family, creating better conditions for education, healthcare, nutrition, recreation and safe living spaces.
He also stressed the need for timely protection of children suffering from violence, abuse or abandonment, with particular attention given to children in remote areas, children with disabilities, orphans, disadvantaged children and those at risk of dropping out of school or entering the workforce too early.
Vietnamnet.vn
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