Education after reunification: From night classes to "medals" of people's hearts

(Dan Tri) - Half a century after reunification, Ho Chi Minh City has made great strides in the field of education. From the initial efforts to "fight illiteracy" to pioneering the universalization of primary education.

After the Liberation of the South and National Reunification (April 30, 1975), Ho Chi Minh City urgently entered the takeover and reconstruction phase, with many profound changes in all fields.

Along with the process of socio -economic recovery, education and training (GD&DT) is given special attention by the Party and State, considered one of the top urgent tasks, realizing the Central policy on "fighting illiteracy".

Statistics from 1976-1977 show a worrying reality: Ho Chi Minh City had about 40,000 illiterate children, not to mention tens of thousands of illiterate adults.

On the journey of "greening" knowledge, theeducation sector of Ho Chi Minh City not only faces countless difficulties and shortages, but also shoulder the responsibility of eliminating illiteracy and creating a future for tens of thousands of children. The education sector of the city named after Uncle Ho has written proud pages of history.

Dan Tri reporter had a conversation with Mr. Le Ngoc Diep, former Head of Primary Education Department, Department of Education and Training of Ho Chi Minh City, who has been deeply attached to this journey.

"I still have to study": The aspiration to rise from letters

Sir, looking back at the 50-year journey of educational development in Ho Chi Minh City after reunification, what do you remember most?

- For me, the most profound memory is probably the bustling, hopeful atmosphere of the first school year after the country's reunification. Parents eagerly took their children to school, children were eager for new books. It was a meaningful beginning, laying the foundation for great changes in the city's education.

Ho Chi Minh City has achieved an important milestone of completing universal primary education in 1995. Can you share more about the goals and implementation process of this "educational project"?

- In the early 90s, Ho Chi Minh City clearly identified primary education as the foundation for improving people's knowledge, creating a premise for sustainable development. In 1995, the city boldly registered with the Ministry of Education and Training to complete universal primary education. We considered this a key task, receiving the response and support of the entire population and departments.

The lyrics "I don't dare, I still have to study" at that time served as a reminder of the importance of studying, while also expressing the determination to send children to school.

The common feature of the two education systems before and after the liberation day is to teach students to love their homeland, love their country, and human ethics such as politeness, respect for adults, being gentle with friends, being obedient, loving work, etc. However, if the education system of the old regime focused on the elite, our Party and State always strive to follow Uncle Ho's saying: "Everyone has food to eat, clothes to wear, and everyone can go to school".

MSc. Le Ngoc Diep, former Head of Primary Education Department, Department of Education and Training of Ho Chi Minh City

During the implementation process, there must have been many difficulties, sir?

- That's right. At that time, the city's education sector faced many challenges, especially the separation of primary schools into two separate levels. Facilities were still lacking, in many areas one school had to cover 2-3 wards. People's lives were still difficult, many parents were busy making a living and did not really care about their children's education.

Night classes and the heart of the teacher

So what solutions has Ho Chi Minh City had to overcome those difficulties and ensure the goal of universal education?

- I still clearly remember the strong determination of the city leaders, especially the enthusiastic encouragement of teacher Ho Thieu Hung, who was then Deputy Director of the Department of Education and Training and Head of the Primary Education Department.

During his working trips to districts, comrade Ho Thieu Hung often wondered if the education sector must do everything possible to encourage all children to go to school, study and graduate from primary school.

A teacher persuaded children in Cu Chi district to build a school after the National Reunification Day on April 30, 1975 (Photo taken from the archive).

Some classes are still difficult in the suburbs (Photo taken from the document).

We mobilized the entire political system, from teachers to local authorities. Neighborhood officials went door-to-door to campaign, hand out coupons, and send out admission invitations.

To ensure that all children have the opportunity to learn, the city organizes nighttime literacy classes at schools, neighborhood cultural centers, and even makes use of any available space. Local authorities try to provide desks, chairs, and blackboards so that children have a place to study.

I understand there are also special charity classes for children in difficult circumstances?

- In addition to regular and general classes, Ho Chi Minh City also has charity classes organized by teachers, retired teachers, and philanthropists. This is a place to take care of children who follow their parents from the provinces to the city to work, do not have a household registration or have difficult families. The children not only learn to read and write but also receive material and spiritual support.

These classes are so simple that they are held at elementary schools, neighborhood cultural houses, or any other available location. Just by placing a few old tables and chairs, hanging a blackboard, a class is formed, opening the door to the future for disadvantaged children.

It is a miracle of education, a testament to the noble hearts of teachers, who are always enthusiastic and love children like their own children.

MSc. Le Ngoc Diep, former Head of Primary Education and Training Department, Ho Chi Minh City Department of Education and Training

Can you share more about the teachers who played an important role in universalizing primary education?

- They are the silent heroes of the education sector. They do not mind the hardships and difficulties, coming to night classes and charity classes with all their hearts. Many teachers are old and in poor health, but they are still passionate about the career of educating people. They only hope that their students will be able to read and write, and have a better future.

From the city to the suburbs: Determined to leave no one behind

The universal primary education program is being implemented throughout the city, from the inner city to the suburbs. Surely each area will have its own characteristics?

- That's right. In central districts, the difficulty may be in mobilizing families to pay attention to their children's education. In suburban areas such as Cu Chi, Binh Chanh, Nha Be, Can Gio, the difficulty is the lack of facilities and difficult roads, especially during the rainy season. Many classrooms have blackboards, lacking even white chalk. But no matter the circumstances, teachers and students always try their best. Notably, this classroom model is still maintained today.

_{Evening charity class held at Hong Duc Primary School, District 8 - 2022 (Photo: Huyen Nguyen).}

What role does community support play in this process, sir?

We have received great support from philanthropists, book companies, and publishers. They have supported pens, notebooks, and textbooks, helping to reduce the burden on both teachers and students. It is love and sharing that has created great strength, helping us overcome all difficulties.

And finally, what was the result, sir? How did you and the educators feel at that time?

- It is a great pleasure that Ho Chi Minh City has become the first unit to achieve this meaningful achievement in the Southern provinces - it is an extremely emotional and proud moment. All the efforts and dedication of the entire education system, the government and the people of the city have been recognized.

The positive evaluations from the inspection team of the Ministry of Education and Training are a priceless gift for all those who have devoted themselves to the cause of educating people. The fact that Ho Chi Minh City has become the first unit to achieve this achievement is a brilliant milestone in the history of the city's educational development.

Nearly 30 years after Ho Chi Minh City completed universal primary education, the students of those classes are now adults. According to Mr. Diep, every time they see their children studying, they will surely remember the nights spent studying, the dedication of their teachers and the kindness that helped them achieve their dreams.

"Medal" from the people: Recognition for efforts in "cultivating people"

You have been involved in the education sector in Ho Chi Minh City since the first years after liberation. Can you share about the changes you have witnessed during that journey?

- I still remember very clearly, in 1975, I was still an enthusiastic student of education. When I graduated and started working, I witnessed the daily changes of the city's education sector. From a lack of facilities and simple teaching equipment, up to now, everything has developed remarkably.

At the time of reunification, life for people in general and teachers in particular was still very difficult. But in the heart of every teacher, there was always a burning belief and hope in the bright future of the country and in the positive changes in education.

It is this belief that gives us strength, helps us to be dedicated to our profession, love our students and believe in a better future for them. Another precious thing is that despite the hardships of life, parents always have special respect for their teachers. That is an invaluable source of encouragement.

^{Documentary photos of seminars and conferences on education development (Photo provided by the character).}

Looking back at the journey of innovation and development of Ho Chi Minh City education over the years, what milestones, achievements or special moments make you feel most proud? What has created that deep pride in you?

- A notable milestone was in 2008, when the Ho Chi Minh City People's Council organized a survey on people's satisfaction in many different areas, and our primary education sector was "named".

To be honest, many people in the industry were worried at the time. We wondered if the survey results were really positive, and some even thought about criticism. I remember sitting in the meeting to announce the results feeling quite nervous.

Mr. Le Ngoc Diep announced the results of the 2008 people's satisfaction survey and sent his gratitude to the schools (Photo: Provided by the character).

The results really surprised and moved us all. The primary education level of the Department of Education and Training of Ho Chi Minh City ranked first among the surveyed areas, with a satisfaction rate of up to 75%. 23% of people had no opinion, and only 2% expressed dissatisfaction.

It was truly a priceless "medal", a great recognition of the tireless efforts of many generations of teachers and educational administrators of the city at that time. The satisfaction of the people is the greatest motivation for us to continue to strive and improve the quality of education.

I am so happy! People's satisfaction is truly a priceless medal, more than any award or title. It is the greatest happiness in my life to be able to dedicate myself to the primary education career of the city.

MSc. Le Ngoc Diep

Over the past 50 years, Ho Chi Minh City education has achieved many proud achievements. However, to reach international standards, in your opinion, what are the key factors that the city needs to focus on investing more strongly?

- For Ho Chi Minh City education to be able to stand shoulder to shoulder with advanced education systems in the world, we need a comprehensive and strong investment strategy. This investment needs to focus on three main pillars.

Firstly, there needs to be modern facilities that meet the needs of teaching and learning in the new context.

Second, improve the quality of the teaching staff through training programs and professional development, helping them access advanced educational methods.

Last but not least, is to build innovative, cutting-edge educational programs that are capable of unleashing students' potential.

The journey of "growing people" is still long, and the satisfaction and trust of parents, along with the bright smiles of each student, will forever be an invaluable source of motivation for those who are and will continue to contribute to the noble educational cause of the city named after Uncle Ho.

Thank you, MSc. Le Ngoc Diep, for these meaningful shares!

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/giao-duc/giao-duc-sau-ngay-thong-nhat-tu-lop-hoc-dem-den-huan-chuong-long-dan-20250501080602221.htm