At the beginning of June, our Early Childhood project manager in Vietnam organized two focus groups to gauge the satisfaction of families taking part in the Children's Clubs in social centers and kindergartens in Ho Chi Minh City. How do these workshops benefit parents in difficulty and their children? Here are some extracts from the responses of 16 members of these families.
"I'm more than satisfied because I can't afford to buy my children things or take them out to play. When they went to the club, they really liked it and wanted to come back."
What is the Kids' Club?
Twice a month, social workers organize activities for children under 6 and their parents. These underprivileged families attend the 3 partner social centers and kindergarten in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam, where the clubs take place. Away from their daily concerns, parents and grandparents take the time to play with their children, exchange ideas with other families and receive parenting advice on a wide range of topics.
What parents say has changed in their practices and observed in their children since they joined the clubs
Better listening and emotional management
"Before, I often scolded my children and beat them. After participating in the program, I also learned to control myself and talk to my children."
"From 8 to 11 months, my child could say mummy or daddy. But from 11 months to 3 years, he didn't say a word. I talked to him very carefully. I talked to my child so much that my husband was even scared. The animators taught the mothers to listen to their children. Now that my child is 3 and a half, he's starting to talk and listen."
"My children have better control over their emotions and are developing many good habits."
Greater awareness of the effects of screens
"Since I started taking part, I've learned a lot about the impact of screens. I used to let my son and daughter look at the phone while eating, and my daughter didn't eat well. Since I joined the club, I read books to them more often. And since he's been taking part, my 3-year-old son has said that Daddy has to stop looking at screens or he'll get sore eyes."
Increased independence for children
"My child has become more independent. My husband is very busy, and I look after the children most of the time. Now I'm able to establish autonomy.
New care and hygiene habits
"I also learned a lot about cooking for my grandchildren, what to do if my grandchild doesn't gain weight, how to consult a doctor."
"Thanks to the program, I know at what age a child can brush his teeth and when he can brush on his own. I also know how to guide my child."
"Today, my 6-year-old pays close attention to brushing his teeth, and even reminds his mother of the importance of brushing. mother: Mommy, brush your teeth or you'll get cavities."
New reading habits
"I didn't go to school and my family is very poor, so I couldn't afford to study or go to college. to teach my children. So when I come home and see my children with books, tears flow from my eyes."
"Since joining the club, I read books to my child more often."
Home-made games
"The club also organizes sessions for children, such as 'lantern making' and 'toy recycling'. My children and I have tried to make them following the instructions. Even if it's not well done, just congratulating my child makes him very happy."
Self-confidence and security
"I didn't go to school like everyone else, and I used to have an inferiority complex. now I'm better and more confident."
"Since then, when I joined the program, I've dared to interact with other people and I've had more opportunities to express myself. friends."
"Since I've come to know this club, I've had the impression that our family is closer-knit."
"My children are more confident in their relationships with others. Daring to express themselves
sociable with everyone, they start to have their own opinions".
