PHÒNG CHỐNG BÃO ! – Prevent storm damage – Prévention des catastrophes naturelles

I have a chance to participate in the camping 26/3 in Vinh Thai Primary School and for me it is an unforgettable memory. On March 24th in the evening, I with my motorbike come to Vinh Thai to join in the art show and drawing competition in Vinh Thai. From a far distant, I have heard the sound of orchestra and the shout of pupils. When coming there, a beautiful, interesting and well-organized stage has appeared in front of my eyes. At that time, I am really surprising because it is for a long time I have had a opportunity to take part in an interesting activities in school since I have graduated, for that I have a strange feeling. The art show starts at 7 PM with the song of pupils class 1 and I have seen that how nice they are. I do not know how to describe my feelings maybe because of many lovely and beautiful songs of pupils in schools. Until 9 PM I have really been impressed by the perfect play “Safe and strong house” showed by pupils class 4. I am impressed not only by their excellent performance but also by the way they introduce all characters of the play. When the play starts, the atmosphere is quiet different and audiences are attracted in each small details, each words and behaviors that players show.

When the show is near to the end and it gets late, in my mind I like to stay here overnight very much so that I can participate in some activities in schools at night. For that, I hope to receive the invitation from the headmaster to be able to partake with pupils in the evening. Luckily, Mr. Hoai, the principal of the school, asks me to stay here at night so that I can join in school activities and it is convenient for me to be in school for drawing competition in the morning. At that night, I with pupils play many interesting games, especially the game “camp-fire”. Many pupils, young teachers and I hold hands, make a circle and sing all night. It must be for a long time I have been happy like that.Tomorrow morning, as planed the drawing competition with the topic “Xangsane Cyclone” starts at 8 AM. All pupils with teachers are very happy and eager to start the competition.  I am really very surprised with ideals that pupils can image. When asking a pupil in drawing room “what are you drawing”, he says “I am drawing the picture about cutting trees to reinforce my house before cyclone comes”. With the same question, another pupil says “ My picture is about the preparation for food when cyclone come”. These ideas make me surprising and recognize that pupils know how to prevent themselves and their houses. After drawing competition, all competitors receive presents and 3 other gifts for 3 winners.

Mr. Hoai, the headmaster of school, wants me to send some messages to DW and he says the advantages and the importance of education for pupils about natural disaster prevention are very great. “It is very necessary to give animation programs about cyclone prevention in school” he says. He as well as all people in school would like to express thanks and gratefulness to DW project for enthusiastic help.

2 short days in Vinh Thai make me remember days that I have studied in school. I am very happy to join in the camping there and beautiful memories will maybe exit in my mind forever. I think that not only me but also most of DW members who have participated in activities of other schools have the same feelings with me. Animation activities in school have raised awareness about cyclone prevention of pupils and my simple wish is that poor people will have safe and strong houses that can be resistant in cyclones. Thank you for giving me unforgettable memories. 

Tran Dinh Ai Huu – DWF