In the morning in Nhon Chau ( Gia Lai province), as the boats cut through the waves and leave the dock, it's not just adults heading out to sea, but also students carrying backpacks and dreams of leaving the island. Ahead of them lies a longer but more challenging educational journey, having to leave home at such a young age.
Leaving the island to go to school.
Located about 24 km from the mainland, Nhon Chau commune (also known as Cu Lao Xanh) is the only island commune in Gia Lai province. Amidst the vast ocean, life is peaceful but not without its hardships. For the students here, going to school is not just about attending classes on the island, but a journey across the sea to pursue their dreams.
Located about 24 km from the mainland, Nhon Chau commune (also known as Cu Lao Xanh) is the only island commune in Gia Lai province.
Currently, the island only has schools up to the junior high school level. After grade 9, if students want to continue their education, they are forced to go to the mainland. At that point, ferries become the only "door" for them to get outside.
Many young people leave their families for the first time when they are just 15 years old. In the early days of living in rented accommodation, everything is unfamiliar: from meals and lodging to managing their own finances. Homesickness, academic pressure, and the uncertainties of adolescence make that journey even more challenging.
For the students here, going to school is not just about attending classes on the island, but a journey across the sea to pursue their dreams.
Mr. Nguyen Van Nhat (residing in Nhon Chau commune), whose child is studying in 11th grade on the mainland, shared: “When my child goes to school far away, what worries me isn't their studies, but their daily life. They're still young and need to be independent early, so the family is quite anxious. Fortunately, there are support policies that help alleviate some of the costs.”
According to Mr. Nhat, in addition to the monthly support, the family still tries to send extra food from the island to help their child save money. "It's just a small gift from home, but it helps the child feel less homesick," he said.
Empowering Dreams
It's not just Nhat's family; many households on Nhon Chau island commune have had to carefully consider their options before allowing their children to continue their education. The biggest obstacle is the cost of food, accommodation, and transportation, which are significant expenses for people who primarily rely on fishing for their livelihood.
In response to this situation, policies to support students in island communes have been successively issued. After the administrative reorganization, Gia Lai province continued to inherit and adjust these policies in a more practical direction.
As the boats cut through the waves and left the dock, it wasn't just adults heading out to sea; students carrying backpacks and dreams were also leaving the island.
According to the new regulations, high school students from Nhon Chau will receive monthly financial support for food, accommodation, tuition, and transportation. Those pursuing vocational training will receive not only tuition support but also scholarships and living expenses for the duration of their training. While the support amounts may not be substantial, they are sufficient to alleviate the financial burden on many families, allowing students to focus on their studies and remain committed to their education.
Vo Thuan Thao (a 11th-grade student at Tran Cao Van No. 1 High School) recounted her first days leaving the island: “When I first arrived on the mainland, I was quite bewildered. I had to take care of everything myself, so it was stressful at times. But thanks to the support and care of my teachers, I gradually got used to it.”
Thảo's family is struggling financially; her mother works as a fisherwoman to support four sisters. The monthly allowance helps her cover some of her living expenses. "I try to save money and study hard so that I can get into a teacher training program later, fulfilling my dream and easing the burden on my mother," Thảo said.
The support may not be substantial, but it's enough to ease the burden on many families and help students feel secure and committed to their studies.
Mr. Le Van Dung, Principal of Tran Cao Van No. 1 High School, said: “The school always pays attention to students from island communes, from arranging accommodation and providing learning support to connecting them with social resources. The goal is to ensure that these students do not miss out on educational opportunities due to difficulties.”
According to the leaders of Nhon Chau commune People's Committee, the support policy has brought about a significant change. While previously the number of students continuing their education after junior high school was quite small, this number is now increasing year by year. Beyond financial support, the local authorities also coordinate with schools to monitor and encourage students, and provide career guidance for those who do not pursue high school.
From the ferry trips leaving the island every morning, the journey to literacy for students in Nhon Chau still faces many challenges, but with the addition of policy "bridges" and the support of the community, their dreams of learning are no longer solitary in the vast ocean. The road to school is therefore longer, but more secure.
Source: https://congthuong.vn/gia-lai-noi-dai-con-chu-tu-dao-xa-455033.html
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