Story in a charity class: The teacher is also a friend

Teacher Nguyen Duc Cam's passionate volunteer spirit has ignited dreams for underprivileged children in a charity class.

Teacher Nguyen Duc Cam diligently guides the children in doing their homework - Photo: BE HIEU

For eight years, Nguyen Duc Cam (32 years old, from Nam Dinh province, currently a math teacher and the Youth Union secretary of Binh An Secondary School, Thu Duc City) has regularly driven over 10km to attend a charity class at the headquarters of Ward 5, Binh Trung Dong Ward, Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City, two to three times a week.

The students here all come from disadvantaged families; some don't have the means to attend school, and some are orphans who are struggling to make a living doing various jobs like selling lottery tickets or collecting scrap metal.

Around 4:30-5:00 PM, the children eagerly run to class, looking forward to seeing their teachers and friends. They greet everyone with sweet words and politeness. The fun and childish stories continue until Mr. Cam begins his lesson.

At the beginning of the lesson, the teacher took the time to answer students' questions about their homework. Some students vied with each other to get answers from the teacher, while others playfully teased him.

Teacher Nguyen Duc Cam shared, "The classroom is not only where I teach, but also where I learn many meaningful lessons about love and sharing from the children." - Photo: BE HIEU

Teacher Cam said that he spends time chatting with the students, not only teaching but also sharing everyday stories with them.

I believe that respecting and treating students like friends will help them feel comfortable and trusting, making them willing to share everything in their lives.

"The classroom is not only where I teach, but also where I learn many meaningful lessons about love and sharing from the children. Despite the difficulties in their lives, they are still full of aspirations to succeed," Mr. Cam shared.

Nguyen Nhut Anh (16 years old) shared: "I see my teacher as an older brother and a father figure. Sometimes he's strict, but it's because he wants us to improve every day. Besides teaching math, he also teaches us about ethics so that we can become well-rounded individuals."

Teacher Nguyen Duc Cam is one of 457 individuals who received the title "Outstanding Young Teacher of Ho Chi Minh City" in 2024 - Photo: BE HIEU

Although the classroom lacked facilities and the students were of different ages, making teaching somewhat challenging at first, the smiles and small progress of the students were the greatest motivation in the teacher's teaching journey.

Teacher Cam recounted how one student, after repeatedly failing to solve a simple math problem, unexpectedly got it right. The student smiled brightly and said, "I did it, teacher!" That moment made him realize that all his efforts were worthwhile. The joy and progress of his students further convinced Teacher Cam that he had made the right choice in pursuing this path.

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/cau-chuyen-o-mot-lop-hoc-tinh-thuong-nguoi-thay-cung-la-nguoi-ban-20250106102359947.htm