Giving wings to children’s dreams

As material and spiritual living standards continue to improve, the measure of happiness is no longer limited to “having enough food and clothing” but has shifted toward “living healthily and meaningfully.” For children, happiness is not only about having their learning and recreational needs met, but more fundamentally about being listened to, respected, and supported to develop in line with their own abilities and dreams.

In recent years, numerous efforts have been made to create a safe and healthy environment for children to live and learn. They are receiving better care and nurturing, studying in improved facilities, and benefiting from educational programs that are gradually being reformed to focus on developing their qualities and competencies. Alongside the provision of knowledge and education in ethics and lifestyle, growing attention is being given to activities that help identify and nurture children’s talents and strengths. This endeavor represents a significant step forward, as every child possesses unique potential; when properly guided, they not only learn more effectively but also experience greater joy, confidence, and happiness throughout their journey of growing up.

However, the rapidly advancing digital era is presenting new challenges. Today’s children are growing up with the internet, artificial intelligence (AI), social media, and an almost limitless pool of open knowledge. While the opportunities are vast, the challenges are equally significant, including risks such as dependence on digital devices, declining face-to-face communication skills, academic pressure, and negative influences from the online environment. Therefore, empowering children to pursue their dreams in the digital age means not only providing learning opportunities but also ensuring they have good physical health, a strong foundation of knowledge, especially in technology, and the resilience to adapt and make sound decisions for their future.

To achieve this, the family's role is irreplaceable. Parents need to accompany their children with empathy, respect for their individuality, and encouragement to explore their passions, while also guiding them in life skills and the safe use of digital technology. Instead of imposing expectations, parents should listen to their children’s aspirations, help them recognize their strengths and weaknesses, and support them in gradually setting appropriate, achievable goals.

Schools must also continue to implement the "Happy School" model effectively. This endeavor emphasizes the renewal of teaching methods in a more open and flexible direction, connects knowledge with real-world application, and promotes STEM education, digital skills, and creative thinking. More importantly, schools must serve as places that nurture character, inspire lifelong learning, and ignite each student’s aspiration to contribute.

When families and schools truly work in partnership, sharing the common goal of children’s holistic development, young dreams can be firmly given wings. This undertaking is the foundation that enables children not only to achieve success but also to live happily and confidently step into the future in a rapidly advancing digital era.

By Thu Ngoc – Translated by Huyen Trang, Minho