Deputy Minister of Education and Training Phạm Ngọc Thưởng delivers his opening remarks at the 4th National Defense and Security Education Sports Festival for high school students in HCM City on April 14. — VNA/VNS Photos Thu Hoài

HCM CITY — The 4th National Defense and Security Education Sports Festival for high school students officially opened in HCM City on April 14.

The event, co-organised by the Ministry of Education and Training (MoET) and the municipal People's Committee, aims to evaluate the quality of defense and security education in schools nationwide and promote the physical and moral development of the younger generation.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Deputy Minister of Education and Training Phạm Ngọc Thưởng said the festival is a practical activity to effectively implement national defense and security education curriculum.

It is not only an opportunity to test and evaluate teaching quality but also to discover and replicate effective models and solutions.

“Through this, we will draw lessons and propose measures to continue improving the quality of this subject in the coming years," he said.

Safety is the top priority, especially given the current hot weather conditions and competitions involving live-fire shooting, he said.

Nguyễn Mạnh Cường, vice chairman of the municipal People's Committee, highlighted the crucial role of defense and security education in fostering political bravery, patriotism, and civic responsibility among students.

The city has consistently focused on innovating teaching methods, linking defense education with ethics, lifestyle, and physical training.

The event, which runs from April 14 to 20, features 34 delegations from provinces and cities across the country.

Participants are high school students with "Good" or higher grades in Defense and Security Education, as well as excellent moral standing and physical health.

Representatives of the organising committee present flags to participating delegations at the event's opening in HCM City on April 14.

 The competition is divided into two main categories: collective and individual.

In the collective category, teams are tested on their general knowledge of national defense and security. They also perform demonstrations of squad formations and military regulations.

The individual category is tailored specifically to each grade level.

Grade-10 students compete in individual drills without rifles and practice first aid and the transportation of wounded soldiers.

Grade-11 participants are evaluated on their accuracy in grenade throwing and their proficiency in assembling and disassembling AK submachine guns.

For Grade-12 students, the challenges include live-fire shooting with AK submachine guns. They must also master basic combat movement techniques and complete an 800m armed run while carrying AK rifles.

Beyond the competition, the festival serves as a platform for students to practice discipline and resilience while allowing educational institutions to share experiences in enhancing national defense education in the new era. — VNS