Teaching in Truong Sa

Visiting Truong Sa, and seeing the spacious, clean, and beautiful schools, we heard the children reciting their lessons and playing during recess in the sunny and breezy schoolyards—a truly heartwarming sight. Here, there are dedicated teachers who devote their youthful energy to nurturing the dreams of their students amidst the vast sea and sky of our homeland.

Special classes

Arriving at Song Tu Tay Island, walking along the concrete road shaded by banyan and sea almond trees, we suddenly heard the sound of teachers and students practicing the song "Tien Quan Ca" (Marching Song) in a classroom on the island. The singing of the teacher and students blended with the melodious sound of the waves. The class was taught by Mr. Le Thanh Chien (from Cam Thinh Dong commune, Cam Ranh city). On Mr. Chien's desk were textbooks for students from grades 1 to 5, and even toys for kindergarten students. Mr. Chien shared: "The school here is very special, encompassing all elementary and kindergarten classes. When I first came here to teach, having to teach students of all ages simultaneously was quite challenging and unfamiliar. But gradually I got used to it, and I learned how to adjust the teaching and learning methods so that students could grasp the lessons and complete the curriculum."

Teacher Luu Quoc Thinh teaches students.

On the islands of Truong Sa, Sinh Ton, Da Tay, etc., the Party, the State, and Khanh Hoa province have invested in building spacious, clean, and beautiful schools with full equipment to serve the teaching and learning needs of teachers and students in these remote islands. The schoolyards are spacious with shady trees, and there are playgrounds and physical education areas with complete equipment such as slides, rocking animals, seesaws, and swings. Each school has only two teachers responsible for the two levels of education, preschool and primary, who take turns teaching. Teacher Luu Quoc Thinh from Da Tay Primary School (originally from Van Long commune, Van Ninh district) said: “Teaching on the islands is still difficult, but we always try to overcome these challenges to help students acquire the best knowledge possible, so that when they return to the mainland, they can still keep up with the curriculum.”

Teaching and learning on Truong Sa Island is a journey full of emotion and meaning. The teachers in this remote location are not only transmitters of knowledge but also contribute to preserving and protecting the sacred sovereignty of the nation's seas and islands. They have been and continue to strive tirelessly to provide students with solid knowledge, nurturing dreams and aspirations for the younger generation.

Proud to teach in Truong Sa.

During his university years, teacher Le Thanh Chien always dreamed of one day setting foot on the sacred seas and islands of his homeland. While teaching at Cam Lap Primary and Secondary School, Mr. Chien volunteered to teach in Truong Sa and was fortunate enough to be selected, fulfilling his dream. "The years I spent living and working in Truong Sa were truly meaningful experiences that not everyone gets to have. Therefore, I always cherish them and strive to impart the best knowledge to the students on the island," Mr. Chien shared.

Teacher Le Thanh Chien is dedicated to teaching his students.

Driven by his love for the sea and the Truong Sa Islands, teacher Truong Hong Linh (from Xuan Dong commune, Dien Khanh district) volunteered to teach at Sinh Ton Primary School since 2023. Teacher Linh shared: “Previously, I taught at Dien Xuan Primary School. When Khanh Hoa province recruited teachers to Truong Sa, I applied and was selected. Teaching here is a great honor; it allows me to learn, hone my skills, knowledge, courage, and health. Especially, with my youthful energy, I also hope to contribute to imparting knowledge to students in this remote island area, helping to firmly protect the sacred sovereignty of our nation's sea and islands.”

Despite knowing the difficulties and differences between teaching in Truong Sa and on the mainland, Mr. Luu Quoc Thinh still chose to teach on Da Tay Island. During his years living and teaching there, the affection of the soldiers, civilians, and students on the island served as encouragement, helping him overcome all difficulties, work with peace of mind, and dedicate himself to the future generations of Truong Sa. “I have taught for many years in the island villages of Van Thanh commune (Van Ninh). However, Truong Sa is very different. But here, the soldiers and civilians live in great solidarity; everyone is always ready to help each other. During storms, the soldiers and people on the island are always there to help us reinforce the school buildings; they share bundles of fresh vegetables. These are very precious and touching gestures. My days teaching in Truong Sa will certainly be beautiful memories in my journey as an educator,” Mr. Thinh shared.

Students on Da Tay Island are taught dancing and singing by their teachers so they can participate in cultural exchange programs.

Before boarding the ship to return to the mainland, we were treated to a song by the students on Truong Sa Island: "My homeland is Truong Sa / The submerged and above-water islands / My homeland has the sea and sky / Four seasons of vast blue / Born in Truong Sa / I am a child of the sea...". Those poignant lyrics made everyone feel even more deeply the resilience of the people living in this remote, windswept place.

VAN GIANG

Source: https://baokhanhhoa.vn/xa-hoi/202505/day-hoco-truong-sa-299635c/