Innovation strengthens support for students

Alongside classroom teaching and learning, Youth Union, Student Association, and Young Pioneer Organization activities in schools continue to nurture students’ ideals, develop their life skills, foster a sense of responsibility and community service, and help them grow into well-rounded individuals.

Thanks to the proactive and innovative efforts of school-based Youth Union, Student Association, and Young Pioneer organizations, youth work across Dong Nai City recorded positive progress during the first academic year following the administrative restructuring and the implementation of the two-tier local government model.

Effective initiatives from the grassroots

At a recent conference reviewing Youth Union, Student Association, and Young Pioneer Organization activities for the 2025–2026 academic year, representatives from schools across the city shared a range of successful initiatives and innovative models implemented at their institutions.

Students from Dong Nai University take part in experiential activities during the Student Clubs, Teams, and Groups Festival organized by the Dong Nai Youth Union and Student Association.

Nguyen Vu Khoi Nguyen, Deputy Secretary of the Youth Union at Tran Bien High School in Tam Hiep Ward, said one of the school's key achievements has been renewing the organization of youth movements by focusing on practical objectives that closely match students' needs.

In communications and civic education, the school has accelerated digital transformation through its fanpage, campus newsletters, short videos, and thematic programs. These initiatives help guide public opinion, improve students' ability to identify harmful online content, and build what the school describes as "digital immunity." Volunteer activities have also become increasingly substantive. In addition to annual programs such as the Exam Season Support Campaign, the Red Flamboyant Summer campaign, and voluntary blood donation drives, the school regularly organizes its "Green Saturday" environmental campaign. To encourage creativity, leadership, and personal development, the Youth Union also maintains a variety of academic, arts, sports, and scientific research clubs.

Lai Kieu Anh, Vice President of the Student Association at Dong Nai University (DNU), highlighted the role of the university's "Five-Good Student Club" in supporting students striving to earn the prestigious Five-Good Student title. Rather than merely promoting the award, the club has created an environment that enables students to develop comprehensively through innovative activities. Among them is the weekly Five-Good Newsletter – One Inspiring Story Each Week, which showcases exemplary students and shares real-life stories that motivate others. Other initiatives, including the Five-Good Student – Inspiring Stories series, post-award discussion forums, and the DNU Five-Good Student Network, which connects award recipients with aspiring candidates, provide mentoring, experience-sharing, and online guidance. According to Kieu Anh, these programs have encouraged more students to pursue academic excellence while actively improving their personal skills and community engagement.

Representatives of the Tran Bien Ward Young Pioneer Council also shared their experience in strengthening Young Pioneer activities by creating more engaging educational and recreational programs for children.

Innovating youth activities through digital transformation

Speaking at the conference, Nguyen Tran Phuong Ha, Deputy Secretary of the Dong Nai City Youth Union, President of the City Student Association, and President of the City Ho Chi Minh Young Pioneer Organization Council, stressed that digital transformation must become a core element in modernizing Youth Union, Student Association, and Young Pioneer activities in schools.

She said digital transformation is no longer an option but an inevitable requirement, as today's young people grow up alongside digital technology. This requires youth organizations in schools to modernize their operations by integrating digital tools into management, administration, and event organization, thereby increasing interaction, enhancing communication effectiveness, and improving youth engagement.

Applying digital technology also equips young people with essential digital skills while promoting safe and responsible technology use, contributing to Vietnam's national digital transformation agenda, and preparing a generation capable of meeting future development demands.

Drawing on practical experience, Cao Tien Dung, General Manager of the Ho Chi Minh Young Pioneer Organization at Tran Hung Dao Secondary School in Tran Bien Ward, said digital transformation is only truly effective when it is closely linked to students' learning and personal development while giving them opportunities to become active participants in activities.

With that approach, the school's Young Pioneer Organization has boldly incorporated digital transformation and artificial intelligence into its activities. Rather than using technology solely for administrative purposes, students are encouraged to use AI tools such as ChatGPT and Canva AI to produce communication materials, develop digital learning resources, and create innovative educational activities.

To innovate Youth Union, Student Association, and Young Pioneer activities in schools, youth leaders must possess strong digital capabilities, an innovative mindset, and the organizational skills needed to design activities that meet the needs of students."

Nguyen Tran Phuong Ha, Deputy Secretary of the Dong Nai City Youth Union, President of the City Student Association, and President of the City Young Pioneer Council

The school's Young Pioneer Organization has also implemented a project to digitize local historical "red address" heritage sites by integrating historical information and archival images into QR codes, enabling students to access educational materials more conveniently. Students themselves participate in researching historical documents, editing content, designing digital products, and introducing these historical sites, allowing them to actively explore local history and share its values with their families and friends. These experiences demonstrate that when both content and delivery methods are renewed in practical and accessible ways, Youth Union, Student Association, and Young Pioneer organizations can further strengthen their role as trusted companions supporting students throughout their educational journey.

By Nga Son – Translated by Mai Nga, Minho