The only boy who just passed the entrance exam to the Preschool Education department

Among the 250 new students of the 51st class of the Faculty of Preschool Education at the main campus of Ho Chi Minh City University of Education, there is only one male student. The young man chose this major for a special reason.

This afternoon (September 7th), the Faculty of Early Childhood Education , Ho Chi Minh City University of Education, held many activities to welcome new students of the 51st cohort. Here, we met Le Trung Nghia, the only male among the new students pursuing this major, hoping to become an early childhood teacher in the future.

Nghia, the only male student in the 51st cohort, Department of Early Childhood Education, Ho Chi Minh City University of Education.

PHOTO: THUY HANG

I am grateful to the preschool teachers who have taken care of me since I was little.

Le Trung Nghia, 18 years old, is a former student of Quang Trung High School in Thai My commune, Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Cu Chi district). When Nghia was young, his parents worked hard from early morning until late at night, and he spent most of his time at preschool.

"I heard from family members that the teachers at the kindergarten back then took such good care of me, treating me like their own child. This affection has left a deep sense of gratitude in me. That's why, when faced with choosing a career path, I was determined to pass the entrance exam for the early childhood education program at Ho Chi Minh City University of Education," said Le Trung Nghia.

The male student passed the entrance exam with a score of 26.5. In the talent section, Trung Nghia chose to perform expressive storytelling and singing. Notably, his dedicated mentor and guide was a former kindergarten teacher who taught him when he was 4-5 years old. Although retired, she cherishes Trung Nghia and wants her student to perform at his best, hoping he can pursue the career she dedicated her life to.

Currently, Trung Nghia travels to Ho Chi Minh City University of Education by bus every day, making two trips, taking nearly two hours to get from his home to the lecture hall. "I'm also lucky to have my family's support. My parents, especially my grandmother, always hope that I can become a teacher. That's the motivation for me to try my best," the student expressed.

Tran Ngoc Chau, the top-scoring student in the entrance exam this year, is in the Early Childhood Education department, with 28.79 points.

PHOTO: THUY HANG

Early childhood education is becoming increasingly attractive to learners.

According to Dr. Bui Hong Quan, Head of the Early Childhood Education Department at Ho Chi Minh City University of Education, the number of students applying to early childhood education programs has increased significantly this year compared to last year. The number of candidates taking the aptitude test has nearly quadrupled (approximately 1,000 in 2024, compared to nearly 4,000 this year). The improved quality of incoming students has led to a higher quality of new graduates. The cutoff score for this program in 2024 was 24.24, while this year it is 26.05.

This attractiveness can be explained from a policy perspective. The role and position of preschool teachers are gradually being elevated. With the impact of the Education Law, the policies and benefits for preschool teachers have been improved. Upon graduation, if students become teachers in public preschools in Ho Chi Minh City, they will receive additional specific policies. Therefore, the starting income for public preschool teachers is 12-13 million VND/month. If students choose to work in private institutions, their income can range from 7-15 million VND/month, depending on their abilities and the preschool education institution...

PHOTO: THUY HANG

The awards and commendations for this year's valedictorian and salutatorian were presented at the event.

PHOTO: THUY HANG

Another positive sign is that, according to Dr. Bui Hong Quan, the early childhood education field is increasingly attracting male students. For example, before 2023, the department had almost no male students, but in 2024 and 2025, the department had at least one male student each year.

"We always hope the department will have more male students. Because, obviously, early childhood education is not something only female teachers can do. Male early childhood teachers can also do it, and do it very well," said Dr. Quan.

Belief and effort will lead us.

This afternoon, the freshman orientation event for early childhood education students also included an awards ceremony for top-scoring and second-highest-scoring students in the entrance exam, and a panel discussion on the topic "The Power of Belief," with the participation of many guests. These included musician Nguyen Van Chung – the author of numerous hit songs such as " Continuing the Story of Peace " and "The Pain Amidst Peace " (soundtrack from the film "Red Rain "). Also present was Vo Minh Toai, first runner-up in Mr World Vietnam 2024, runner-up in The Face Vietnam 2023, and founder of the English For The Blind project – English for the visually impaired.

The guest speakers shared with the students about the power of belief.

PHOTO: THUY HANG

In addition, the guests included Mr. Pham Cong Nhat, National Communications Director of DOL English system, journalism lecturer (Deakin system, Australia) at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities (Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City)..., Mr. Luu Hoang Phuc, recipient of titles such as Outstanding Young Citizen of Ho Chi Minh City, National Advanced Youth Following Uncle Ho's Teachings, and Outstanding Young Teacher at the Central level...

The discussion was led by psychologist Dr. Bui Hong Quan. Both the guests and Dr. Bui Hong Quan agreed that to succeed throughout four years of university and many years of work afterward, we need belief. But that's not enough. Every young person needs to constantly strive, thoroughly prepare themselves with knowledge and skills, only then can they reap the rewards...

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/chang-trai-duy-nhat-vua-trung-tuyen-khoa-giao-duc-mam-non-185250907174243422.htm