What’s the best way for schoolchildren to spend their holidays?

Most schoolchildren are now starting their three-month holiday after the end of the school year. With the summer months stretching ahead, Vientiane Times asked for people’s opinions on how children could most productively spend their long school break.

Children at a Vientiane school attend an event to close the school year.

Mr Khamxou, a resident of Xaysettha district, Vientiane: I have lots of grandchildren who attend primary and secondary schools. I worry that they may not spend their holiday wisely or beneficially but I will do my best to encourage them to use their free time productively. I think it’s important that children obey and respect their parents and elders and follow their advice. Parents and elders always want their children to grow up to become good citizens so they should make sure they have something useful to do during the holidays. If possible, parents should enroll their children in study courses so they are well prepared to start the next school year.
 
Ms Chanthavy Phoutthasone, a resident of Hadxaifong district, Vientiane: I think all families, and especially parents, should supervise their children and encourage them to take part in useful activities during the holidays. Adults should set a good example to children and lead them in this. Families should make sure children don’t fall into bad ways but help around the house or do some schoolwork in subjects that interest them or they aren’t good at. Children themselves should be aware of the kind of trouble they can get into, because if they’re not careful they can be led astray, spend too much gaming, or even be tempted to try drugs.
 
Mr Onkeo Sisavang, a resident of Sikhottabong district, Vientiane: Some of my children, nieces and nephews are students. I think it’s good that the holidays have begun because it means they can spend more time with their families, help with the housework, and provide assistance in other ways. By caring for and protecting children, families can encourage them to use their time wisely, such as by attending courses of some kind, getting a part time job, working around the house, going to temples to make merit, and staying away from drugs, gaming, and other undesirable activities.
 
Mr Bounsing, a resident of Savannakhet province: As they do every year, schoolchildren are looking forward to the long holidays. In my opinion, they should spend most of the time with their families and help their parents with work around the house or take a long trip, going from place to place with adults. They would also benefit by doing some additional studies in subjects of their choice, while also playing sports in their spare time. Unlike children in urban areas, children in rural areas don’t have the opportunity for extramural study, so they can spend their days helping their families with housework, or working in the fields to grow crops such as rice and taking care of livestock. This is a good way for them to help their families and keeps them usefully occupied so they don’t get into trouble.

Mr Bobby Sivilay, a Grade 2 student in a secondary school in Xayaboury province: I’m very glad the holidays have begun. I’m pleased with the results of my end-of-year exams because I did well. During the holidays, I plan to spend more time helping my parents and grandparents with work around the house. I will also help out with work on their farm and in rice fields, and take care of cattle and other animals. I advise my friends to use the holidays in ways that benefit them, their families, their villages and communities. And we should all plan to work harder next school year, as well as making up our minds to do our best in all respects.

By Visith Teppalath
(Latest Update June 6, 2022)