The Dong Thap Golden Bell contest equips students with disaster response skills, proactively protecting themselves and the community.
On September 16, at Xuan Dieu Secondary School (My Tho Ward, Dong Thap Province), the Department of Dike Management and Natural Disaster Prevention and Control coordinated with the Ministry of Education and Training, the Dong Thap Department of Agriculture and Environment, and the CRS Organization to host the "Ring the Golden Bell" contest themed "Together with you in natural disaster prevention, building a sustainable future".
The Golden Bell contest saw the participation of 100 outstanding candidates from three schools: Xuan Dieu Secondary School, Le Ngoc Han Secondary School, and Nam Dinh Primary & Secondary School, along with nearly 1,000 supporters.
Overview of the Golden Bell contest "Together with you in natural disaster prevention, building a sustainable future". Photo: Le Hoang Vu.Delivering the opening speech, Mr. Nguyen Van Tien, Deputy Director of the Department of Dike Management and Natural Disaster Prevention and Control, recalled the impacts of climate change alongside several storms, floods, landslides, and glacial lake outbursts globally and domestically that affect human life.
In the Mekong Delta in general and Dong Thap province in particular, residents face highly specific and increasingly severe natural disaster challenges. Riverbank and canal erosion occur complexly, directly threatening lives and homes, and disrupting students' schooling. The risk of child drowning during the flood and high-water seasons remains a constant societal concern.
"Children are the nation's future, but at the same time, the most vulnerable group when natural disasters and emergencies strike. Investing in students today means building a solid foundation for tomorrow", Mr. Tien emphasized.
Accordingly, the Golden Bell contest "Together with you in natural disaster prevention, building a sustainable future" was organized to create a useful and healthy playground, fostering the consciousness to learn and acquire knowledge and skills on disaster prevention and climate change adaptation for students in Dong Thap province.
Mr. Nguyen Van Tien, Deputy Director of the Department of Dike Management and Natural Disaster Prevention and Control, speaks at the ceremony. Photo: Le Hoang Vu.At the contest, the youth answered multiple-choice and short essay questions revolving around knowledge of: storm, flood, and disaster prevention laws; "famous" storms; storm naming conventions; regions and countries experiencing frequent storms and floods; and emergency response methods when encountering tornadoes and landslides. Additionally, there were folk idioms, proverbs, and traditional experiences regarding rain and storm forecasting.
The Organizing Committee announced the results and awarded prizes to outstanding contestants. The First Prize went to Nguyen Van Khanh, Class 8/4, Xuan Dieu Secondary School; the Second Prize went to Nguyen Ngoc Bich Van, Class 8/2, Xuan Dieu Secondary School; and the Third Prize was awarded to Tran Pham Anh Minh, Class 8/3, Le Ngoc Han Secondary School. The Organizers also awarded Consolation prizes and supplementary awards to various units.
Contestants excitedly answer questions at the Golden Bell contest "Together with you in natural disaster prevention, building a sustainable future" in Dong Thap. Photo: Le Hoang Vu.
Mr. Nguyen Van Tien, Deputy Director of the Department of Dike Management and Natural Disaster Prevention and Control, awards the First Prize to contestant Nguyen Van Khanh, Class 8/4, Xuan Dieu Secondary School. Photo: Le Hoang Vu.
The Organizing Committee awards prizes and takes commemorative photos with 9 Consolation prize winners at the Golden Bell contest. Photo: Le Hoang Vu. The activity is expected to contribute to improving the effectiveness of disaster prevention communication and education for the younger generation, thereby enhancing the community's resilience against the growing impacts of natural disasters and climate change.