School children from across the city suggested ways authorities could improve the school environment at a February 5 meeting. Topics included reducing the study load, fighting pornography at schools and better study and toilet facilities.
The “Children: Future leaders of the city”, meeting was organized by the city’s People’s Council for 120 student representatives of primary schools, high schools, and training centers for disadvantaged children in the city.
At the event, the chairperson of the People’s Council, Pham Phuong Thao, asked questions and heard student views about their issues of concern.
Pham Thi Hong Nhung, from Le Anh Xuan Junior High School, said: “Our school’s training program is so heavy that we have no free time to take part in extra-curricular activities.”
Le Thi Quy from Binh Dong Junior High School said, more study rooms should be set up for students to use between classes.
A shortage of playgrounds was another problem raised. “We are living in the city outskirts, where it is hard to find a playground,” Tran Thi Tuyet Nhi from Tan Tuc Junior High School said.
“I hope every child, whether in the inner city or suburbs, is given the same facilities for study and recreation,” Nhi said.
“My school’s facilities for teaching and studying have deteriorated, seriously affecting our studies. I hope the city’s leaders help improve the situation,” she said.
“The city must take actions to prevent pornographic materials from penetrating into schools,” said Tran Thi Thanh Tam from Cu Chi Senior High School.
More specifically, Nguyen Anh Huy from Binh Tay Junior High School, said: “The city's Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism must take responsibility for this problem.”
He also warned that many students were ignorant of folk songs but knew every word of pop songs.
Nguyen Ngan Tam from Tran Boi Co Junior High School said: “We have a practical demand that all schools in the city will have more convenient and hygienic toilets in the future.”
Students also raised issues that affected them outside the school grounds about street kids, domestic violence and dangerous traffic conditions.
Ms. Thao congratulated the students for their suggestions at the end of the meeting and said she hoped that they would be heeded.
