"Semester in army" program on June 9-18 is a great fun and rewarding summer activity for teenagers...
"Semester in army" program on June 9-18 is a great fun and rewarding summer activity for teenagers. This is the fourth time Khanh Hoa Youth Union and Khanh Hoa Military Headquarters have held the "Semester in army".
90 teenagers are having full-time training at the Battalion 460, Regiment 974, Khanh Hoa Military Headquarters stationed in Dien Khanh District. The 10-day military program includes military training for new military recruits, marching picnics, extracurricular activities, etc.
Attending the "Semester in army" program, the teenagers have to strictly follow the daily schedule. Their habits at home such as watching TV, using mobile phones, playing games, staying up late, etc are not allowed. They have to do the homework such as washing clothes, planting vegetables, watering flowers and practicing first aids instead, according to Thieu Anh Hieu, a member of squad 7. On the first days here, he felt new to the routine which is completely different from that at home. However, just after a few days, everyone soon got used to the daily schedule.
Nguyen Tran Bao Linh says, different from what she expected, boys and girls have the same training program. They are instructed with AK gun assemble and removal; swimming, 16 tactics, marching and orientation in the jungle. She finds from experience that she can do many things that she used to think only boys can do. Now she can wash her clothes, have a healthy sleep schedule and learn essential life skills.
|
Besides providing basic skills such as first aid, farming etc, this year’s program also includes food safety introduction, meal preparation, hands-on farming experiences and child sexual abuse prevention, helping to develop teenagers’ life skills to be more independent and self-reliant, according to Pham Ngoc Hai, Deputy Head of Committee for Youth Young Pioneers & Children.
The program does not last for a long time but it has made positive changes in teenagers’ behaviors towards their families. They know how to live independently, value family bonds and know how to get along with their family members. Their parents are happy to see children become mature, more confident, independent and responsible.
Pham Kim Ngan, a parent of Thieu Anh Hieu says, “My son is a bit shy, especially when talking to strangers. When attending the program, he becomes more confident and independent. The program is so helpful and needs to be expanded.”
The program has attracted more and more participants. In the time to come, Khanh Hoa Provincial Youth Union plans to organize more activities to assure an exciting and rewarding summer for teenagers, according to Nguyen Van Nhuan, Secretary of Khanh Hoa Provincial Youth Union.
V.T
Translated by N.T
