(VOVworld) - The club for community-based child protection in Kniet hamlet, Dac Lac, Province is a typical model of the National Program on Child Protection to help disadvantaged children overcome life difficulties. Club members and activities have not only improved the awareness of minority people about their rights and the legitimate interests of children, but has also helped many poor children stay in school.

Minority children are taught to play traditional musical instruments. (Photo: dantri.com)

Established in August, 2014, the club for community-based child protection in Kniet hamlet, Dac Lac Province, has been a frequent meeting place for children and teenagers of the Ede ethnic minority group.  

Five of the 45 club members are in charge of caring for and teaching 40 children; most of them from disadvantaged families.

Each month the club holds a regular meeting in addition to activities connected with events such as International Children’s Day on June 1 and Mid-Autumn festival. The club teaches children how to protect themselves from domestic violence, harassment, and accidents and informs them about their interests and obligations.

14-year-old H’So Ron Eban elaborates: “I’m happy to join this club which has helped many poor children deal with their life and study difficulties. The club has encouraged many children who have dropped out of school to return to school and has provided them with school supplies.”

The club’s practical activities have contributed to raising the awareness of the community, parents, and children about the Party and government’s policies on children, the responsibilities and obligations of families, and the interests and obligations of children. 

H’La Zem Kbuor, 11 years old, had dropped out of school to work as a laborer to earn some money to help his family.

Thanks to the efforts of club members, H’La has returned to school and passed the exam for Cu Kuin district’s Boarding School. H’La Zem has been given a bicycle to get to school more easily.

“My name is H’La Zem Kbuor. I’m a sixth grader. I’m glad to participate in the club through which I’ve learned lots of useful things. I’d like to thank the teachers and all the club members who have stood by me and helped me,” said H’La Zem Kbuor.

A volunteer is teaching local children to write. (Photo: dantri.com)

In two years, the club has persuaded 16 children to return to school. The drop-out rate has been significantly reduced. Local children have received more care from the community.

Through fact-finding tours of the hamlet, the club has found unregistered births and applied for medical cards for 34 children under 6.

Ms. Ami Hoa, who is in charge of the club, said: “I’m glad to teach the children. There are many ways to help them learn including organizing art performances or exchanges with other children in different hamlets. We have also told them about their rights and duties. We found 15 children who didn’t have birth certificates and took their parents to the commune’s People’s Committee to register their children.”

Luong Viet Gia, Deputy Chairman of Ea Ktur commune’s People’s Committee, said the club offers equal opportunities for children to develop physically and mentally and encourages their parents to accept more responsibility in caring for and protecting them.

Gia said: “The club’s activities have been effective in making them aware of their rights and interests. The club