However, a new Farming at the Weekends programme now offers children the opportunity for city children to experience the countryside and learn a bit more about rural life. Many pupils joined the Farming at the Weekend programme got to hoe fields, water vegetables and distinguish farm produce themselves. A big change from previously, when this kind of knowledge was consigned to school text books.
The programme was launched in Thuy Thanh Commune, Huong Thuy Town, Thua Thien Hue Province. After being introduced to the local markets and how to use agricultural equipment, the pupils sailed on the river, played folk games, went fishing and wrapped Chung cakes.
"We want the children to know how vegetables and rice in their daily meals are grown. It helps raise their awareness about environment protection", Nguyen Mau Hoa, Vice Chairman of People’s Committee, Huong Thuy Town, Thua Thien Hue Province, said.
The programme isn’t just intended to keep idle hands busy. Through these activities, children are encouraged to understand the relationship between the work in the countryside and their experience in cities and the potential impact pollution and human activity has on the environment.
