Every week, the playground of Hoa Mai Kindergarten (Điện Biên Phủ ward) comes alive with laughter during colorful extracurricular sessions. Sometimes it is group games, other times creative experiences or exchanges with foreign teachers through play, music, and outdoor activities. Each program brings excitement, helping children become more confident, cooperative with friends, and comfortable expressing emotions.

Principal Vũ Thị Giang explained: “We always want every day at school to truly be a happy day for the children. That’s why, in addition to ensuring care, nutrition, and teaching quality, we regularly organize diverse extracurricular and experiential activities. Through each activity, we see children gradually becoming proactive, learning to share, and developing essential life skills for holistic growth.”

At Hà Nội - Điện Biên Phủ Primary School, a recent extracurricular activity themed “The Value of Love and Gratitude” left a lasting impression. Students participated in bonding games, listened to and shared stories about family, teachers, and friendship. Many expressed heartfelt thanks to their parents and teachers on stage, turning the session into an unforgettable memory.

Đào Khánh Ngân, a student from Class 5A2, shared: “I was very happy to join the program. I realized I should show more love and care to my grandparents, parents, and teachers. I also learned how to say thank you and sorry at the right times.”

“The Value of Love and Gratitude” is just one of many activities maintained at Hà Nội - Điện Biên Phủ Primary School. Beyond regular classes, students also take part in collective activities, book festivals, creative experiences, and volunteer work for the community. Vice Principal Nguyễn Thị Mỹ Hương noted: “Through these experiences, we want to teach students life’s most fundamental values, knowing how to love, appreciate, and express gratitude. These values are essential for them to grow up responsible and happy.”

Not only at Hoa Mai Kindergarten and Hà Nội - Điện Biên Phủ Primary School, but several other schools across the province have also embraced the “Happy School” model, putting students at the center. These schools emphasize green, clean, beautiful spaces; organize healthy playgrounds; and encourage participation in clubs based on students’ interests.

At Lương Thế Vinh High School, the model has been concretized through school counseling programs that support students’ mental health and psychosocial well-being. Counseling sessions and discussions provide students with opportunities to share difficulties in studies, friendships, and family, with guidance from professional psychologists. This approach creates a safe and friendly environment, helping students relieve stress, balance emotions, and regain confidence in both learning and life.

Trần Linh Nhi, a 6P student, shared enthusiastically: “Before, whenever I felt unhappy, I kept it inside, and sometimes it was very stressful. But thanks to the counseling sessions, I feel more comfortable, I’ve learned to share and listen, and I now have many skills to solve problems and feel much more confident.”

While schools are where knowledge is sown, the family is the cradle of character and the first source of happiness for a child. Therefore, helping children live in a happy environment is not only the responsibility of teachers and schools but also of families and society. When children study in love, practice life skills, are listened to and respected, happiness becomes a daily reality. This is also how we plant the seeds for the future, raising generations who are not only knowledgeable and responsible but also compassionate, strong in both intellect and love.