Cao Bang strives to eliminate illiteracy, paving the way for sustainable development

Not simply teaching, each class is also a persistent, silent journey to spread knowledge and arouse the aspiration to rise up for the people in the mountainous areas.

Thanks to the synchronous participation of the entire political system, propaganda and mobilization activities for illiterate people to attend classes have become a regular task of many localities. Many flexible seasonal class models, evening classes for the elderly, women, etc. have been organized and promoted effectively.

Sowing letters in the highlands

Immediately after being merged from Thong Nong town and two communes of Luong Can and Da Thong, Thong Nong commune identified illiteracy eradication as one of the key tasks in its comprehensive development strategy.

Localities in Cao Bang always pay attention to opening literacy classes.

With the characteristics of a large area, the population is mainly ethnic minorities, and the cultural level is uneven, the local government has mobilized forces to participate in community education work.

At neighborhood meetings, schools, commune officials, and teachers regularly promote the meaning and importance of literacy in daily life: reading prescriptions, looking up information, signing necessary documents, even as simple as… writing your name. That perseverance has helped many people who were once afraid and self-conscious because they were illiterate to boldly enter the classroom.

Mr. Nguyen Quoc Hung - Chairman of Thong Nong Commune People's Committee said: "We identify that illiteracy eradication is not only the task of the education sector but also the responsibility of the whole community. The locality will continue to conduct investigations, reviews, and plans to open more classes suitable for the working hours of the people, especially farmers and elderly women."

The good news is that many literacy classes have been and are bringing about clear results. Many students who used to be shy can now read, write, and do simple math. For example, Ms. Trinh Thi Ta (born in 1970, in Ngoc Sy hamlet, Thong Nong commune) - a student in the literacy class said: "I feel less miserable than before, I know how to read the names of medicines, read the information on the packaging, I don't have to ask my children and grandchildren anymore. I can even sign my name!"

Despite their age, the students are still diligently studying.

In addition to Thong Nong, newly established communes and wards in Cao Bang province are also actively preparing to implement community classes. Some places also invite literate people to participate in supporting teaching in the hamlets, creating a model of learning together and lifelong learning.

Mr. Trieu Mui Phay (born in 1985, in Phia Khao hamlet, Thanh Long commune), a student in the literacy class, confided: "Literacy helps me feel confident when I go to work. I can read documents, papers, and papers given by my employer, and from there negotiate to enjoy better benefits when I go to work."

Join hands to spread the light of knowledge

Cao Bang province currently has more than 30,000 people with level 2 illiteracy and over 3,000 people with level 1 illiteracy – a number that is still high compared to the national average. However, the results achieved in the 2020-2024 period show positive changes thanks to the perseverance and creativity of localities.

Specifically, in the past 5 years, the whole province has organized literacy classes for nearly 2,800 people. In 2020 alone, there were 831 students; in 2021, there were 723 people; in 2022, there were 235 people due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic; in 2023, there were 532 people and in 2024, there were 446 people. On average, each year, over 550 people have access to letters.

Recently, literacy classes are often held in the evenings at primary and secondary schools.

The success of the classes cannot be separated from the cooperation of organizations, philanthropists and the community. Many organizations and individuals have supported poor students with blankets, clothes, shoes, books and learning materials. Some businesses also provide financial support to maintain the classes and support allowances for teachers and class managers.

Ms. Nguyen Ngoc Thu - Director of the Department of Education and Training of Cao Bang province emphasized: "Education is the foundation for all development. In the coming time, the sector will focus on maintaining and improving the quality of literacy classes, while continuing to socialize education, develop community learning centers, and encourage learning and talent in line with local realities."

In 2025, the province aims to maintain and improve the quality of illiteracy eradication, especially for people aged 15-60 in ethnic minority areas, areas with special socio-economic difficulties, and border areas. The province strives to maintain the results of achieving the illiteracy eradication standards in 2024, while improving the quality of illiteracy eradication to level 2.

Cao Bang is gradually turning the determination to eradicate illiteracy into reality. The letters sown in the mountains and forests, in remote villages, not only brighten the future of each person, but also pave the way for sustainable development of the whole community. When the light of knowledge spreads, the gap between regions gradually narrows and the dream of a learning society is no longer a distant dream.

Source: https://giaoducthoidai.vn/cao-bang-no-luc-xoa-mu-chu-mo-duong-cho-phat-trien-ben-vung-post740589.html