Youth Union work during COVID-19: More humane activities are needed.

Dear Dr. Tran Bach Hieu, how has the COVID-19 pandemic affected the Youth Union activities of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities - VNU Hanoi, and what policies and actions has the Youth Union taken to cope with the pandemic?

It can be said that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the Youth Union activities of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities in particular, and the capital and the whole country in general. Many previously planned activities could not be implemented in practice, especially those related to arts, sports, and international exchange.

This significantly impacts the goal of supporting the holistic development of student union members. If the pandemic continues and direct community interaction activities are not organized, it is certain that future generations will emerge."COVID youth"This period, with its dual characteristics of COVID-19 and Industry 4.0, is characterized by increasing dependence on mobile phones, less direct contact, and a decline in natural emotional interaction. Therefore, in my opinion, youth union activities in the context of COVID-19 need to focus on the depth of human emotions, making the utmost effort under all conditions to convey emotional messages and human kindness through activities, especially those involving mutual support, community assistance, volunteering, and gratitude. Youth union work during this period should convey messages, images, and significant historical events that are proud of and cherished by the nation, highlighting good examples and good deeds, or inspiring stories and historical witnesses that instill faith and a desire for life in each student union member.

Collaborating with businesses in epidemic prevention and control.

Regarding activities to combat the epidemic, the Student Union focused on communication efforts to address the situation, updating official news and preventing the spread of fake and harmful information to its members. Communication activities had to be innovative to achieve the fastest and most effective delivery to students. Instead of relying on conventional documents and announcements, the approach had to be in line with current trends among students. This ensured that important information on epidemic response reached students quickly, accurately, and in an easily understandable manner.

Furthermore, to maintain Youth Union activities during social distancing or the current "new normal," activities have been innovated, proactively adapted, and changed in terms of organization and approach, ensuring that the movement's spirit is not lost while still guaranteeing safety conditions for disease prevention and control.

Cultural and sports movement programs such as "Healthy Youth," "Youth Learning and Following Uncle Ho's Teachings," "Student Integration," etc., have all been shifted to online implementation with great enthusiasm from student union members in the school.

Online activities

Adaptability is the key word and also the most important experience. Because of this proactive adaptation and a constant readiness to face challenges, the Student Union successfully completed its academic year tasks and made a significant contribution to the prevention and control of the pandemic among its members. Activities were adapted to the pandemic as it subsided, and activities were adapted to the pandemic as it arose. The goal was to provide the best possible value and comprehensive support to student union members in all circumstances.

What were the outstanding activities of the school's Youth Union in the recent past?

Regarding the outstanding activities during the "COVID season," we implemented the following model."Youth of the Faculty of Humanities stand alongside students during the pandemic."COVID-19"

One,The Student Union has been established.Volunteer team supporting students facing difficulties due to the impact of the pandemic.COVID-19,With the mission of sharing the difficulties faced by Humanities students residing in Hanoi, we provide food and supplies donated directly and through fundraising efforts by the university's staff and lecturers.

The establishment and deployment of the "blue-shirted delivery drivers" team has had a positive effect on the work."Supporting students of the Faculty of Humanities"of the school, clearly demonstrating its policy."No one will be left behind!!"

The students were very surprised and moved by the support gifts from the school's teachers and volunteers. Some even "gifted" the volunteers with items like bread and drinks, and most sent their regards, creating a very positive social media buzz about the campaign.

Two,After the period of nationwide social distancing ends, the program"Zero-Cost Supermarket"This initiative was launched to support union members and students with food, groceries, and other essential necessities, displayed like in a supermarket but given away free to Humanities students. The supermarket's opening contributes to sharing the difficulties faced by students after the COVID-19 pandemic and also encourages union members and Humanities students during the second semester exams of the 2019-2020 academic year.

Result,They directly distributed thousands of food packages through the "blue-shirted shippers" team to disadvantaged students residing in Hanoi during the social distancing period; the "Zero-Cost Supermarket" program attracted 2217 students to receive food support (296 boxes of instant noodles; 1.2 tons of rice, 189 boxes of food, etc.).

The model demonstrates promising development prospects not only during the social isolation period due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as it is a practical, feasible, and sustainable solution to support students in the long term.

Zero-cost supermarket

The old saying goes that there's often a silver lining in every cloud. Does this hold true for the student union and association activities at the Faculty of Humanities in the current circumstances?

Overcoming the difficulties of unexpected changes, each organization, especially the school's Youth Union, has undergone fundamental and long-term transformations. Fortunately, the spirit of solidarity, mutual support, trust, and unexpected potential have been fostered. All of these factors create motivation in activities and empower each individual.

The awareness and sense of responsibility of each young person have been enhanced."Fire tests gold, hardship tests strength."This will undoubtedly boost the patriotic spirit, the sense of national duty, and the commitment to the common good of our student union members many times over.

Meeting formats have become more diversified, and with advancements in information technology, activities will be disseminated more widely and effectively. Teamwork skills are improved, and team spirit is enhanced."One for all, and all for one"This was clearly demonstrated in the Youth Union's activities during the "COVID season".

The delivery man in the blue shirt.

Will the Youth Union activities at the University of Humanities change much after the COVID-19 pandemic is over, sir?

There will certainly be many changes, and these changes will be more proactive and adaptable than before. The school year plan will have two scenarios, and each activity will also have two scenarios.

The mindset of adaptability and readiness to transition from "wartime to peacetime, and from peacetime to wartime" must always be present in the organizational staff of the Youth Union and Associations.

Activities that enhance in-depth expertise and community support will be the top priority. Large-scale, superficial activities will not be a priority and must adhere to safety principles in disease prevention and control.

According to Vietnamese Students