Bringing joy to workers’ children ahead of new school year

As the 2026-2027 academic year begins, Trade Unions at all levels in Dong Nai have launched a range of practical programs to support the children of workers and employees. Among these initiatives, providing “study corners” not only offers material support but also gives children additional encouragement and better conditions for their studies as they enter the new school year.

The children of a Longwell Co., Ltd. worker are delighted with a new study corner presented by the company’s Trade Union.

A small study corner, a little more joy

Having a private, well-lit study corner is an essential need for schoolchildren. However, for workers’ families facing financial difficulties, providing their children with a dedicated study space can sometimes be beyond their means. In cramped, modest living conditions, many worker families have been unable to set up study corners for their children, instead using existing tables and chairs at home or in rented rooms.

Understanding these difficulties, grassroots trade unions at many businesses have organized programs to present “study corners” comprising desks, chairs, study lamps, bookshelves and other essential school supplies to children of union members and workers facing difficult circumstances. Although modest in material value, these gifts are highly practical. A properly sized desk, a suitable chair or a sufficiently bright study lamp can give children a better learning environment, especially as they begin a new academic year.

In 2026, the Dong Nai City Labor Federation honored more than 7,500 children of workers, civil servants and employees under the “Academic Excellence and Good Conduct” movement. As families prepare for the new school year, the study corners presented to schoolchildren have taken on even greater significance. They represent the trade union organization’s care and sharing with workers’ children, bringing joy to the children and happiness to their families.

Recently, 19 children of workers employed by Longwell Co., Ltd. in Dau Giay Ward received a special surprise when trade union officials from the company visited their homes to present study corners. The practical gifts have given the children better conditions for studying after school. Delighted with her new study corner, second-grader Nguyen Bui Ngoc My of Hung Vuong Primary School in Dau Giay Ward said she was very happy to have a private place to study and do her homework. She added that she would work hard to achieve good results and live up to her parents’ and trade union officials’ expectations.

For workers with limited incomes, every expense at the beginning of the school year has to be carefully considered. Therefore, timely support from grassroots Trade Unions helps ease some of the financial pressure on families. Mai Thi Khanh, whose child received support to set up a study corner, said that previously her child had often studied at an old desk that had been used for many years. Because their home was small and filled with household belongings, the family had to clear some space whenever it was time for the child to study. “With a desk of her own, my child is very happy. It also helps our family save some money at a time when we have so many expenses to prepare for the new school year,” Khanh said.

Supporting workers’ children

Caring for the children of union members and workers has always been a priority for trade unions at all levels. This is also one way trade unions stand alongside workers in caring for their families. In addition to providing scholarships, books, school supplies, bicycles and uniforms, the study-corner program helps create better learning environments for children right in their own homes.

The value of these study corners lies not only in the material gifts but also in the encouragement they provide. A neat and suitable study space can help children develop good study habits, strengthen their sense of self-discipline and feel more clearly the care and attention of adults. For workers’ children, particularly those from disadvantaged families, such sharing is even more practical and meaningful.

Hoa Thi Phuong Nhi, Chairwoman of the Longwell Co., Ltd. Trade Union, said that during visits to the homes of workers facing difficulties to deliver gifts and offer support, the union had found several cases in which workers’ children lacked suitable study spaces, adequate lighting, desks, chairs and other necessary equipment. Some children even had to study on the floor. Recognizing this as an urgent need, the Trade Union Executive Committee met and agreed to launch the study-corner program to bring joy to the children and their families ahead of the new school year.

“Caring for workers’ children is not simply about giving them a gift at the start of a new school year; it is also a long-term investment in the younger generation. Every study corner we provide plants a seed of joy, and from these small study corners, the big dreams of workers’ children have better conditions to grow,” Nhi said.

According to Bui Thi Bich Thuy, Vice Chairwoman of the Dong Nai City Labor Federation, the new school year always brings numerous expenses for families with school-age children. For workers, particularly families with two or more children, the financial pressure is even greater. Therefore, alongside the study-corner program, trade unions at all levels should continue practical support activities, including honoring workers’ children under the “Academic Excellence and Good Conduct” movement, awarding scholarships, providing school supplies, assisting with tuition fees, organizing Mid-Autumn Festival activities for workers’ children and recognizing students with outstanding achievements.

These practical programs supporting workers' children clearly demonstrate the role of Trade Unions in providing comprehensive care for union members and workers. Their support extends beyond the workplace to workers' families and children. These efforts also help strengthen the bond between union members and Trade Unions, enabling workers to feel the practical support and companionship provided by Trade Unions at all levels.

By Nguyen Hoa – Translated by Mai Nga, Minho