'Sowing the seeds of knowledge' at the gates of Zen.

In the tranquil setting of a small village temple, without smart boards or spacious classrooms, just with simple desks and chairs and an old blackboard, this place has become a familiar destination for nearly 20 village students – children who carry with them a thirst for learning and faith in knowledge.

Venerable Thich Tri Luc always facilitates the continuation of the class at the pagoda.

Sharing knowledge

The meaningful class at Am Pagoda (Bau 2 hamlet, Van Phu commune) has been regularly maintained for nearly two years. This class is for children in Bau 1 and Bau 2 hamlets who have limited learning opportunities due to their distance from the commune center.

Outside of class time, these children always want to reinforce their knowledge, but due to difficult circumstances and parents being busy earning a living, self-study faces many obstacles.

By chance, upon learning of the children's wishes, a group of volunteer students from the University of Science (Thai Nguyen University) came together to build a free classroom at Am Pagoda.

The goal is simply to provide knowledge support, answer questions about lessons the students don't understand, and foster a love of learning. The group of student volunteers participating in teaching and supporting the class at Am Pagoda consists of about 10 members. Each has their own study schedule and work commitments, but they all proactively arrange their time to ensure that teaching takes place continuously without interruption.

That enthusiasm has contributed to keeping the class stable, sustainable, and increasingly spreading positive values ​​in the community.

Each lesson followed the next, quietly but persistently, reflecting the dedication of those who have contributed and continue to contribute to maintaining the class. The three main subjects—Mathematics, Literature, and English—are taught free of charge on Saturday and Sunday afternoons each week.

In particular, the class focuses on enhancing English language instruction to help students gradually become more familiar with and confident in using the language. Beyond textbook knowledge, the lessons incorporate many interactive activities such as speaking practice, games, and basic communication, making learning more engaging and easier to grasp.

Thus, English is not just a subject, but also becomes a key to unlocking new horizons of discovery, helping students confidently step out into the wider world .

Not only did the student volunteers dedicate their time and effort to each teaching session, but they also had to travel over 40km from the center of Thai Nguyen province to reach the classroom under the temple roof.

Although the journey was somewhat arduous, for them, it was not simply a distance to travel, but a journey to bring knowledge and sharing closer to the children. The smiles and daily progress of the children became the motivation for them to persevere, stay committed, and continue writing the beautiful story of this compassionate classroom.

No phone use during breaks.

Doan Le Quyen, a student at the University of Science (Thai Nguyen University), said that the distance of over 40km is really not short, and on some days the weather is unfavorable, making the journey quite difficult. However, every time she thinks of the children waiting for her to come to class, Quyen gains more motivation.

For Quyen, this is not just a volunteer activity, but also an opportunity to share and live a more meaningful life. When she arrives at class and sees the children attentively listening to the lecture, enthusiastically participating in games, or confidently speaking up, all her fatigue from the journey disappears. What touches Quyen the most is that some children, despite their difficult circumstances, are still very eager to learn and always try to attend school regularly.

Connect and experience

In our conversation, Venerable Thich Tri Luc, who has been involved in and facilitated the continuation of the class at the pagoda, said softly: "The pagoda always hopes to be not only a place for spiritual activities but also to contribute to supporting the community, especially children."

When the students suggested opening a free class, we welcomed it wholeheartedly and provided all possible support. Seeing the children study diligently, be polite, and make continuous progress is a great joy for us. We hope the class will continue for a long time so that more and more children can have access to knowledge.

Doan Le Quyen, a student from the University of Science (Thai Nguyen University), traveled over 40km to attend the class.

Not only during class time, but even during breaks, this classroom has a unique atmosphere. Instead of using their phones, the students participate in small games related to their knowledge, such as math quizzes, English word games, or quickly retelling short stories in Literature class. These seemingly simple games help the students relax while naturally reviewing their lessons.

This difference is also what makes the students love their class even more. Do Huy Tu, a student in class 8D at Van Yen Secondary School, excitedly said: "Nobody uses phones here, so we play together more. I like break time the most because I can play and learn at the same time. Thanks to this, I grasp the knowledge better and no longer fear difficult math problems. As a result, my grades improve week by week."

For nearly two years, this initiative has fostered literacy, nurtured dreams, and, above all, quietly spread the spirit of sharing. Each lesson is not simply a journey of acquiring knowledge, but also a journey of sowing seeds of love and responsibility.

Simple lessons, fun games related to knowledge, and sincere encouragement have contributed to nurturing not only the children's learning skills but also their confidence and boldness in communication and self-expression.

More than just a classroom, it's an environment that nurtures childhood in a unique way: free from the distraction of phone screens, allowing children to live in connection, experience, and feel genuine emotions.

A childhood is being preserved and nurtured day by day, so that not only do the students grow into more mature individuals, but those who give also receive joy, connection, and a truly meaningful youth. Acts of kindness are thus multiplied, gentle yet powerful enough to touch hearts and spread joy throughout the community.

Source: https://baothainguyen.vn/xa-hoi/202604/gieo-chu-noi-cua-thien-8df185d/