On the afternoon of 14/5, General Secretary and President To Lam met with 85 outstanding Ho Chi Minh Young Pioneer Organization members from across the nation, commemorating the organization's founding on 15/5/1941.

According to To Lam, Vietnamese youth today no longer grow up amidst bombs, war, or poverty, but they face many new challenges of the era. While they have better access to education, knowledge, and broader connections, they must also learn to filter information, use technology responsibly, and live with honesty, discipline, compassion, and responsibility.

"Patriotism today begins with diligent study, a healthy lifestyle, self-respect, upholding what is right, not being indifferent to wrongdoing, and fighting to eliminate evil," the General Secretary and President stated.

The head of the Party and State stressed the need to build a safe, fair environment for children within families, schools, society, and cyberspace. Children must be guaranteed opportunities for learning, play, care, protection, and development, regardless of where they are born or their circumstances.

Citing recent tragic incidents, the General Secretary and President affirmed that protecting children requires more than just reacting after events occur. It demands early prevention, timely detection, thorough support, and strict handling of all acts of abuse, violence, cover-ups, or indifference. "A civilized society is defined by how it protects vulnerable individuals, especially children," he said.

On the occasion of the 85th anniversary of the Ho Chi Minh Young Pioneer Organization, looking ahead to its 100th anniversary in 2041 and the nation's development goals for 2045, the General Secretary and President expressed his hope that young pioneers and children will study diligently, cultivate good morals, maintain health, nurture dreams, and perform good deeds daily.

He urged the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union, the Young Pioneer Organization, and youth leaders to develop the Young Pioneer Organization into a safe, creative, and welcoming home for children; a place that fosters patriotism, reading culture, life skills, creative spirit, and social responsibility.

General Secretary and President To Lam met with outstanding members, on the afternoon of 14/5. Photo: Communist Party Portal

According to the General Secretary and President, schools and the education sector must be safe, humane, and happy environments. They should not only impart knowledge but also teach children how to be good people, fostering character, discipline, compassion, and civic responsibility. Schools must promptly support students facing difficulties, those who are vulnerable, or at risk of dropping out, preventing violence, insults, discrimination, or school bullying.

"For families, every grandparent, parent, and caregiver should be the first loving support for their children. Children need to be heard, respected, guided, and protected. Discipline does not equate to violence; raising children cannot be done through verbal abuse or neglect," the General Secretary and President stated.

He also emphasized that policies must reach every school, residential area, and struggling family. These policies should provide better conditions for children's education, healthcare, nutrition, recreation, and safe spaces, especially for those who have experienced violence, abuse, or abandonment.

The General Secretary and President expressed confidence that the 85 outstanding Young Pioneer members will continue to spread good values, strive in their studies, develop their character, and help their friends progress when they return to their localities and schools.

Vu Tuan