Children’s National Assembly Mock Session Raises Real Issues

The second Children’s National Assembly mock session, held from September 27-29, saw the participation of 306 child delegates from 63 cities and provinces across the country.
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The opening session of the Second Children’s National Assembly 2024 took place on September 28 at the Dien Hong Hall of the National Assembly (NA) Building, with the participation of 306 child delegates from 63 provinces and cities across the country.

These outstanding Young Pioneers were selected from various localities. The event was organized by the Central Youth Union and the Central Young Pioneer Council, collaborating with the NA's Committee for Culture and Education, the NA Office, and other related organizations.

Children’s National Assembly Mock Session Raises Real Issues
A delegate from Lai Chau province ask a question to the hypothetical Minister of Health. Photo: Plan

During the opening session, 306 child delegates unanimously approved the working agenda for this year's meeting. Delegate Gia Vinh (from Dong Nai province) was elected chairperson of the Children’s National Assembly. The permanent vice chairperson role was assigned to delegate Quynh Nhu (Can Tho city), along with three vice chairs. Delegate Minh Dang (from Quang Binh province) took on the role of Secretary-General.

On September 29, an interpellation-and-response session was held as part of the Second Children’s National Assembly mock session 2024. The program has received the attention, support, and partnership of Plan International Vietnam since the initial preparation stages.

Vietnam held the first Children's NA mock session in 2023 as a forum for children to express their voices, thoughts, and aspirations. The meeting aims to foster dreams and ambitions for the youth, who are the future of the country. This initiative shows the commitment of the Party, State, National Assembly, and society as a whole to the protection, care, and education of children.

Moreover, the model creates opportunities for children to develop their skills in expressing opinions and to engage in the decision-making process regarding matters of their concern.

During the session, the delegates were informed about the outcomes of addressing the recommendations made by children during the first mock session of the Children’s NA in 2023.

It was reported that 8 out of the 22 children's proposals had been addressed through the involvement of relevant ministries and sectors. Additionally, there was an expansion of the Children's Council model. In the first 9 months of 2024, 2 provincial-level Children's Councils, 15 district-level Children's Councils, and 22 commune-level Children's Councils were newly established.

Speaking after the first interpellation session on "Preventing School Violence," Minister of Education and Training Nguyen Kim Son emphasized the ones who need to take the most action are none other than the children themselves. "If you study well, live with ideals and ambitions, and show love, care, and empathy for others, those individuals are unlikely to engage in violence. If you are equipped with the skills to solve your problems and help your friends solve theirs without resorting to violence, then violence will have no place in schools.”

Meanwhile, Minister of Health Dao Hong Lan affirmed her hope that the NA representatives of the 14th tenure will continue to listen and take into account the voices and desires of the children when making decisions. "This will allow us to develop solutions to address practical issues, ensuring that we foster a generation of young people who are strong in health, intellect, and spirit, fully prepared to contribute to building and defending our country.”

Children’s National Assembly Mock Session Raises Real Issues
On September 29, at Dien Hong hall, the child delegates hold a live debate on the two key topics, and draft up a set of call-to-actions to support children and youth across Vietnam. Photo: Plan

NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man also attended and delivered a speech at the second Children’s NA mock session. He welcomed and highly appreciated the Central Youth Union and the Central Young Pioneer Council for their initiative to organize with agencies the Children’s NA mock session with the desire to promote children's early participation in political and social activities; arouse in children the desire to contribute, constantly cultivate, practice, and enrich their knowledge to become responsible citizens, both virtuous and talented, with dreams and ambitions to establish a career in the future and contribute a lot to the development of the country.

Impressed by the child delegates, the top legislator held that many of their questions and proposals were close and relevant to reality. Man informed that after the first session in 2023, a number of children's recommendations have been implemented by ministries and branches, which is very commendable; emphasizing that the Party and State always pay special attention and care to the cause of protecting, caring for, and educating children.

Children’s National Assembly Mock Session Raises Real Issues
National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man pose for a group photo with delegates. Photo: VOV
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