Ho Chi Minh City, November 18, 2023 – The Management and Sustainable Development Institute (MSD), in collaboration with the Ho Chi Minh City Youth Union and the Ho Chi Minh City Children’s Council, organized the “Spreading Love” Day at the District 4 Children’s House. The event is part of the 2023 “Spreading Love” campaign, implemented by MSD in collaboration with stakeholders and supported by Save the Children.
Group Photo of the Event
This year, with the theme “Education Through Love – Love Drives Away Violence,” the campaign targets parents, caregivers, teachers, and stakeholders, focusing on eliminating physical and mental punishment against children. The goal is to create a safe and positive environment where children can express their opinions and work together to address issues related to them, especially promoting non-violent educational methods in raising children.
As an annual event of MSD since 2017, the “Spreading Love” Day 2023 was organized to create a space for parents and children to connect and practice spreading the values of positive, non-violent education, aiming to end all forms of physical and mental punishment in the process of raising children. The event featured the participation of representatives from the Ho Chi Minh City Youth Union, the Ho Chi Minh City Children’s Council, the Management and Sustainable Development Institute (MSD), and Save the Children Vietnam, along with 100 families and over 300 participants, including parents, children, teachers, volunteers, and media representatives.
At the opening of the event, Ms. Trịnh Thị Hiền Trân, Deputy Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Youth Union and Chairperson of the Ho Chi Minh City Children’s Council, emphasized: “The highlight of today’s event is that children and families will experience fun activities that strengthen the loving bond between family members. Children will learn about their rights and write messages of love and solidarity, spreading the values of education through love. The Youth Union hopes to bring joy and happiness to children and families, and this event is an opportunity for parents and children to better understand and connect with each other.” Ms. Trân also affirmed, “With the message that children are meant to be loved, the Ho Chi Minh City Children’s Council hopes to collaborate with organizations and units working in the field of children’s welfare to organize more meaningful activities, working together to do good things for children, the ‘young citizens’ of today and tomorrow, both for the city and the nation.”
Ms. Trịnh Thị Hiền Trân Delivered the Opening Speech
Sharing the goals and message of the “Spreading Love” campaign, Ms. Trần Vân Anh, Deputy Director of the Management and Sustainable Development Institute (MSD), stated: “To promote the implementation of children’s rights, especially activities to prevent punishment, violence, and discrimination against children, MSD is launching the ‘Spreading Love’ campaign to enhance the participation and commitment of stakeholders working together to create a positive and healthy environment for the best interests of children.” Many adults still believe in and practice disciplinary measures through physical punishment and violent language, thinking that this will make children fearful and obedient, thus becoming well-behaved. However, reality has shown the opposite—violence does not equate to education, and it does not lead to positive behavioral changes in children. Instead, it causes physical and psychological harm. Ms. Vân Anh emphasized, “Each child only has one childhood, and they deserve a peaceful, happy childhood with beautiful memories. This will be the best foundation for their growth and comprehensive development. Therefore, instead of shouting and using physical punishment, adults should practice and apply positive education methods. With support, understanding, and connection, parents and teachers can more easily and promptly assist children when issues arise, without leaving behind any unfortunate consequences.”
Ms. Trần Vân Anh Delivered a Speech Sharing the Message of the Event
The event created a playground where children and families had the opportunity to learn about children’s rights and eliminate physical and mental punishment against children, especially in families and schools. Some of the fun activities that encouraged parent-child participation included: visiting the art exhibition “Spreading Love – Love Drives Away Violence,” a creative competition for families to make “Spreading Love” cards, decorate piggy banks, and paint figurines; enjoying various artistic performances; and, notably, each family received a gift called “Spreading Love” – communication materials aimed at spreading and conveying the value of positive discipline methods.
Thanh Hà, 10 years old, shared: “I feel very happy to participate in the program. I got to play games with my parents because usually, my parents are busy with work and have little time for me. I hope to play with my parents more, and I wish my parents would guide me gently instead of yelling when I make mistakes, listen to me more, and understand me better.”
The event was an opportunity for each family to come together, understand, and actively practice positive educational methods, and more importantly, to build a happy home where violence and physical and mental punishment have no place.
Children Checking In at the Event
Children Participating in the Game Space at the Event
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