Learning Beside the Frontier Landmarks

(DTO) Amidst the brilliant golden sunshine of the Dong Thap borderland, the voice of a Border Guard echoes beside a sovereignty marker. With no blackboard or white chalk, this 'special classroom' is silently kindling national pride and the duty to protect every sacred inch of the Fatherland in the hearts of the younger generation.

THE "TEACHER IN GREEN"

At the foot of border Marker No. 232 (2), under the jurisdiction of the Dinh Ba International Border Gate Guard Station (Tan Ho Co Commune, Dong Thap Province), the atmosphere is solemn yet filled with excitement. Dozens of students from Dinh Ba Primary School, wearing red scarves and with wide, attentive eyes, listen closely as Major Nguyen Van Sau, Deputy Political Officer of the station, introduces the history and significance of the border landmarks.

This is not merely a sightseeing trip; it is a core component of the "Frontier Lesson" model. 

This heartfelt initiative by Major Nguyen Van Sau aims to transform dry concepts of the Law on Border Guard and the Law on National Borders into vivid, accessible lessons imbued with a love for the homeland.

Major Nguyen Van Sau, recognized as an exemplary figure in the "Skilled Mass Mobilization" movement of the Dong Thap Provincial Border Guard, shared: "We want the children to understand that each landmark is not just an inanimate block of concrete, but a historical witness—representing the sweat and blood of generations of our ancestors who labored to preserve it. When they touch the landmark, they will feel the sanctity of territorial sovereignty."

With creative communication methods, Major Sau has turned complex legal provisions into stories of the journey to hold the land and guard the frontiers. 

The image of the dedicated Border Guard officer—serving as both a soldier guarding the frontier and a "teacher" passing on the flame of patriotism—has become a beautiful symbol in the hearts of the local people and students in the border area.

The "Frontier Lesson" model is implemented regularly twice a month. The highlight of this model is its flexibility and visual nature; rather than being confined to traditional classrooms, students are taken directly to the sites of landmarks and border lines.

Here, they witness the landmark system along the Dong Thap border with their own eyes and hear stories about the construction history and the hardships faced by Border Guard officers in managing and protecting the border. 

For many students, this is the first time they have clearly understood concepts such as "restricted zones," national border lines, and the regulations for activities in border areas.

Nguyen Minh Anh, a 5th-grade student, shared: "Previously, I only saw landmarks on TV. Standing here today and listening to Major Sau's lesson, I feel very proud. I promise to study hard so that I can contribute to protecting my homeland in the future."

Beyond organizing communication at the landmarks, officers from the Border Guard Station also proactively visit schools. 

Flag-saluting ceremonies and extracurricular hours have become more vibrant with content regarding the traditions of the Border Guard forces, border diplomacy, and the friendship between Vietnam and Cambodia.

AWAKENING THE SPIRIT OF PATRIOTISM

To achieve its current success and widespread influence, the Party Committee and Command of the Dinh Ba International Border Gate Guard Station have consistently prioritized the creativity of their officers and soldiers.

The "Frontier Lesson" model is the crystallization of the heartfelt concerns of soldiers directly stationed in the area. 

Major Nguyen Van Sau shared that his motivation for proposing this idea was the desire to nurture revolutionary ideals in the younger generation while they are still in school. These students are the future masters and successors of the mission to protect the nation's "fence and gate."

A bright spot of the model lies in the application of digital technology to communication efforts. 

The Youth Union Branch of the Border Guard Station has advised on and innovated the organizational format into a rotating style, ensuring that 100% of local students and Union members gain access to this knowledge. 

Educational content is encoded via QR codes, landmarks are marked on Google Maps, and social media platforms are effectively utilized.

After each session, students and Union members not only test their understanding through interactive games but also receive meaningful souvenirs. 

Each gift features a QR code linking to video clips and summarized documents, allowing learners to review and share the content with their families. 

This approach ensures the lessons resonate more deeply, transforming every learner into a "propagandist" for border sovereignty within their own home and community.

After three years of implementation, the "Frontier Lesson" model has yielded impressive results, far exceeding initial expectations. From a single initiative at the Dinh Ba International Border Gate Guard Station, the model has been replicated across all units under the Dong Thap Provincial Border Guard.

Beyond receiving enthusiastic support from schools and parents, the model is highly regarded by local Party committees and authorities. 

The close coordination between the Border Guard and local Youth Union organizations has created a synergistic strength, enhancing public awareness of border security and sovereignty.

Recently, the "Frontier Lesson" model and Major Nguyen Van Sau personally were honored as exemplary figures in the emulation movement "Building the Culture and People of Dong Thap: Loyal, Dynamic, and Creative." 

This is a well-deserved reward for the tireless efforts of the "teacher in green" on his journey to sow the seeds of knowledge and patriotism at the frontier.

The "Frontier Lesson" model contributes to life skills education and Kindles the aspiration among Union and Young Pioneer members to dedicate their youthful energy to the cause of territorial management and protection. 

Knowledge regarding border signs, landmarks, and legal regulations has become valuable luggage, helping children become more responsible in their daily lives.

The "Frontier Lesson" is a vivid testament to the "Skilled Mass Mobilization" spirit of the Dong Thap Provincial Border Guard. 

It demonstrates that when trust and patriotism are awakened at the right time and in the right way, every citizen-no matter how young—will become a "living landmark," contributing to the preservation of the Fatherland's sacred sovereignty.

By DUONG UT
Translated by X.QUANG