Professor and Dr. Hà Vĩnh Thọ is a renowned figure in education and happiness development. He spent many years working with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in war regions such as Palestine, Afghanistan, and Darfur. These experiences helped him understand the pain of innocent people and fueled his passion for creating a happier society.
His journey in fostering happiness began as Program Director of the Gross National Happiness Centre in Bhutan from 2012 to 2018, where he played a crucial role in shaping the Gross National Happiness (GNH) model. Returning to Vietnam, he continued this mission, dedicating to building 'Happy Schools' in his hometown Thừa Thiên - Huế.
In addition, he founded the Eurasia Learning Institute for Happiness and Wellbeing (ELI) and authored many curricula to foster emotional intelligence and environmental awareness in public schools.
In this episode of the Have A Sip podcast, Professor Ha Vinh Tho will share his views on happiness, drawing from his experiences in education and sustainable development.
From Pain To A Pursuit Of Happiness
As a country that has gone through many painful wars, Vietnam has endured a long process of post-war recovery. This collective pain and these struggles have sparked a growing desire for happiness, motivating Vietnam toward prosperity. That’s why Vietnam has an increasing interest in the Gross National Happiness (GNH) index.
The phrase 'Independence - Freedom - Happiness' in Vietnam’s national motto affirms that happiness is a core value in the nation’s foundation and an inevitable part of its development process. Therefore, we need to carry on that tradition, turning pain into motivation for sustainable happiness and a prosperous society.
Happiness Is Not A Destination, But A Long Journey
For Dr. Hà Vĩnh Thọ, happiness isn’t just about personal success or material wealth. It is an ongoing journey that connects individuals, society, and nature.
He emphasizes that true happiness arises from three factors: self-care, caring for others, and protecting the natural environment. After 7 years living in Bhutan, Dr. Hà Vĩnh Thọ learned that economic growth must be aligned with the well-being of communities.
Solely focusing on increasing GDP may lead to superficial prosperity and it does not guarantee sustainable happiness. When we focus on developing happiness and social well-being, we will find true purpose and meaning in life.
Education Is The Key To Unlock Happiness
Access to education is a fundamental human right, regardless of one’s circumstances or abilities. When working in special education, he observed that children with intellectual and emotional disabilities are often overlooked due to societal prejudice, which assume they cannot benefit from learning.
However, Dr. Hà Vĩnh Thọ’s experience has demonstrated the opposite. When put in a nurturing and respectful environment, disabled children can flourish both intellectually and personally.
This belief drives him to found the Eurasia Learning Institute for Happiness and Wellbeing. One of the institute’s key initiatives is the Peaceful Bamboo Family, a vocational training center and living community that promotes social integration for young adults with intellectual disabilities.
Dr. Hà Vĩnh Thọ also advocates for education reform, aiming to reduce unhealthy competition and stress in schools while fostering a supportive learning environment that encourages the comprehensive development of students.
For him, education is not just about transferring knowledge; it also plays a crucial role in shaping the life values of future generations, contributing to a more harmonious and happier society.