By Hoang Thao Ly
School and family are two important pillars for children to grow up healthy, safe and sound. We, therefore, organize family outing trips twice/year annually to nurture this connection and bond in Lily. This year, we ventured to the ancient and serene town of Hoi An, a place that not only promises relaxation and fun but also an invaluable opportunity for families to bond and immerse themselves in an environment that represents a balanced, pure and peaceful lifestyle.
A Sanctuary by the Thu Bon River
Our retreat location, Triem Tay Garden, was carefully chosen to reflect Lily Kid House’s standards. Situated 5km from the heart of Hoi An and nestled on the bank of the romantic Thu Bon River, Triem Tay offered an idyllic escape. Surrounded by bamboo thickets and vegetable gardens, it served as an ideal natural space for both parents and children to participate and experience a sentient lifestyle. The fresh air and tranquil surroundings could certainly soothe and enrich the souls.
Learning and Growing Together
The retreat was marked with activities designed to foster a deep connection with nature, each other and our inner selves. Our mornings began with the “Morning Circle”, a cherished tradition where children and their parents gathered to share moments of reflection and anticipation for the day ahead.
Children were encouraged to explore their surroundings with guided nature walks, followed by drawing sessions where they could express their observations and feelings creatively. Meanwhile, adults engaged in lively discussions centered around Neohumanist Education (NHE) and yoga lifestyles, critically examining the nature and characteristics of traditional education and envisioning the changes they desired for their children’s generation.
Culinary Connections and Playful Learning
A highlight of our trip was the cooking session, where families came together to prepare sentient food. There a Vietnamese idiom says: “the path to the heart must go through the stomach” (meaning you can make connection with each other through sharing food). This year, parents have already got used to sentient food, so we didn’t have to explain a lot. Lunch was prepared deliciously together and everyone enjoyed this sentiment of sharing.
The afternoon was alive with laughter and joy as children and parents participated in team-building activities and relay games. This playful spirit continued until late evening and everyone had lots of fun together.
Reflections and Forward Thoughts
As the retreat drew to a close, families shared their reflections and hopes. The discussions revealed a unanimous desire for an education system that prioritizes moral values, practical skills and the nurturing of individual talents over rote learning and academic achievements alone.
This trip has reinforced the connection and bonding among all of us. It proved that Lily Kid House is more than a school; it is a family united by a common vision of raising children holistically to become adults with creativity, rationality, love and compassion for all.