Amidst the vibrant spring atmosphere, the story of the local people's tradition of valuing education, their enduring educational promotion movement, and their aspiration to "soar like a dragon" becomes even more heartwarming and inspiring.
The tradition of valuing written words.
On the second day of Tet (Lunar New Year), the road leading into Phan Long village was brightly decorated with flags, banners, and flashing lights. People, dressed in their finest clothes, went to exchange New Year greetings, shaking hands and exchanging wishes for health, prosperity, and success. After the New Year's Eve countdown, many families took their children and grandchildren to the ancestral temple to light incense for their ancestors, a beautiful tradition that is indispensable in the village's cultural life.
“I am proud that my village is a village of knowledge. The village has about 700 households with over 2,500 inhabitants, including more than 200 teachers at all levels, from preschool to university, accounting for about 80% of households with members working in the teaching profession. Most families have members working as officials, civil servants, members of the armed forces, or in businesses…,” Mr. Nguyen Ba Dong, Secretary of the Party Branch of residential cluster No. 5 - Tan Hoi, O Dien commune, shared with pride.
According to Mr. Nguyen Ba Dong, Phan Long is an ancient village belonging to the former Goi district. The village's name means "flying dragon," associated with the armed forces hero Phan Xich. From the 17th to 18th centuries, the village had six scholars who passed examinations and served as district governors, instructors, and royal physicians. In the early 20th century, the village was famous for its Confucian scholars such as Mr. Tu Men, Mr. Do Bot, and Mr. Do Truong; before the August Revolution, there were Mr. Te and Mr. Rong.
Today, that tradition continues. The village boasts 23 PhDs, 5 associate professors, and many masters and bachelors working at universities, academies, and research institutions both within and outside the city. When discussing the tradition of academic excellence in Phan Long, people often mention prominent families such as the Tran, Cao, and Tai families; and families with many generations of success, such as Mr. Ho Du, Mr. Hai Lieu, and Mr. Dam Nhan…
Ms. Nguyen Thi Hoi, former head of the Phan Long village's Education Promotion Association, added: "Many young families today continue to uphold the village's tradition of learning, such as the Quy Khuong family, whose child is an associate professor and doctor; the Giang Doan family, whose two children are doctors; and the Cong Phuong family, where both husband and wife and their children are doctors... This shows that the tradition of valuing education is not just a story of the past, but is vividly present in every household."
"Igniting" the movement to promote learning and talent development.
Phan Long village is divided into two residential clusters, numbers 5 and 6. The Phan Long Education Promotion Association was established in 2003 and currently has over 370 members. For many terms, Mr. Nguyen Ba Dong served as the Vice Chairman of the Association, persistently dedicated to education promotion work until he retired due to old age in 2026.
From its early days with few members and limited funds, the branch has now built a widespread network of activities across 18 hamlets of varying sizes, such as Chua Hamlet, Xi Hamlet, Dinh Hamlet, Lai Hamlet, Hong Hamlet, etc. Each member of the Executive Committee is responsible for a specific area, both disseminating information and mobilizing members, and monitoring the academic progress of children in the hamlet to provide timely encouragement and rewards.
The village's scholarship fund consistently maintains a balance of nearly 360 million VND, entirely contributed by the villagers. Every year, in August, at the end of the school year, the branch organizes a ceremony to commend and reward outstanding students at all levels, students who have passed university entrance exams, and graduates with excellent grades. The total amount of awards each year is approximately 60 million VND. "Each award is only from 100,000 to 500,000 VND, but it's a great recognition and encouragement. More importantly, it inspires a spirit of academic competition, continuing the traditions of our ancestors," Mr. Dong said. Notably, in many clans, the scholarship fund is maintained in parallel with the village fund.
Mr. Tran Ke Hung, head of the Tran clan, said: “The Tran clan has nearly 90 households with 160 members. Each year we have two major ancestral commemoration days, one of which in July is associated with awarding scholarships to our descendants. We keep a register of those who have achieved high academic ranks and degrees. On average, more than 40 children receive awards each year.”
The movement to promote education not only motivates students but also contributes to building cultured families and fostering socio -economic development. After graduating from university or postgraduate programs, children from the village have returned to work in various agencies and organizations both within and outside the city, contributing to improving the material and spiritual lives of the people.
In a story told at the beginning of spring, Mr. Nguyen Ba Dong affirmed: "Promoting education has been and is effectively contributing to the construction of new rural areas and the development of cultural life. My village is a land of learning, so no matter the circumstances, the people always prioritize education." The achievements of many generations of intellectuals have created a new face for Phan Long village with spacious houses built close together, clean and beautiful roads adorned with flags and flowers. Phan Long has twice been awarded the Certificate of Merit for "Outstanding Cultural Village" by the city.
During Tet (Lunar New Year) in Phan Long, stories about learning permeate every conversation and New Year's greeting. Besides health and peace, the people here always mention their children's academic achievements as a source of pride.
Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/dau-xuan-xong-dat-lang-hieu-hoc-phan-long-734104.html
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