Thirty-five Catholic school students recently completed a Church-run summer school program which aimed to teach them moral values and life skills.

“I discovered that my parents have to work hard to support me so I must obey them and study hard,” said Tran Ngoc Quyen, an eight-year-old student, after the course.

Ho Chi Minh City archdiocese organized the Ephata course for the children, aged six to 11, at the Archdiocesan Pastoral Center from June 21-Aug. 13.

Father Peter Nguyen Van Hien, who serves as a spiritual director for Catholic educators, said many concerned parents want their children to learn good behavior and be able to act responsibly.

The course provided children with practical skills such as managing money, doing housework, reading, and looking after oneself.

They also learnt English, Vietnamese, music and mathematics during the program which was conducted five days a week.

Participants also visited a center for students with physical disabilities and attended Taize-style prayer services.

“I am happy that my son now knows how to greet older people and help his mother with housework,” said Paul Tran Thanh Phuong, father of an eight-year-old.

Program supervisor, Hoang Mai Khanh, an expert on educational psychology, said that the course was a non-profit initiative. Students paid 2,400,000 dong (US$126) each to cover expenses. He said that courses for older students are also in the pipeline.

Meanwhile, Father Hien said he hopes local parishes will hold similar course in the future.

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