Buổi 55: Writing Task 2 – Discussion: có nên bắt buộc học sinh làm tình nguyện?

There is disagreement about whether community work should be a compulsory part of secondary education or something that students choose for themselves. In my opinion, a small amount of required community work is beneficial, as long as students have some choice about what they do.

Those who support compulsory volunteering argue that it teaches young people valuable lessons that cannot be learnt in the classroom. Working with people outside school, such as elderly residents or young children, requires patience, communication and responsibility. For example, a student who helps at a local food bank must arrive on time, work as part of a team and speak politely to people from different backgrounds. As a result, students not only become more confident but also develop a sense of civic responsibility.

On the other hand, many people believe that volunteering loses its meaning when it is forced. Students already face heavy academic pressure, and some have family responsibilities or part-time jobs. If they are required to do unpaid work, they may see it as just another chore. A student made to clean a park every Saturday, for instance, may simply watch the clock, and the experience may teach them to dislike volunteering rather than value it.

In my view, the best approach lies between these two positions. Schools should require a limited number of hours, perhaps twenty per year, but allow students to choose from a range of activities that match their interests. This means that every young person gains some experience of helping others, while their commitment is more likely to be genuine.

In conclusion, although forcing students to volunteer has drawbacks, I believe a flexible requirement would bring real benefits to both young people and their communities.

A big thank you to the 14 volunteers who came on Saturday! 🌱 Thanks to you, all six raised beds are finished and the first vegetables are already planted. Special thanks to Mr Hoang for lending us his tools. We'll need help with watering next month – the rota is in the lobby. See you in the garden!