Keeping students warm in the mountainous region of Son La

GD&TĐ - As the biting cold grips the mountainous region of Son La, teachers quietly light fires, cover students with blankets, and prepare meals so that students don't miss school.

When the cold blankets the highland village

In early January, a verstärkt cold front swept deep into the Northwest region, plunging many highland communes in Son La province into freezing temperatures. Temperatures dropped sharply at night and in the early morning, and thick fog blanketed mountain slopes and villages, making daily life and travel difficult for residents. For students in mountainous areas, especially preschool and primary school children, the cold not only made getting to school more challenging but also posed a direct health risk.

In many schools in mountainous regions, the sight of students shivering in the biting cold of early mornings is not uncommon. Many children come to class in thin clothing, due to difficult family economic conditions; providing enough warm clothing for their children remains a major concern for many parents. The cold of the mountains is therefore not only a weather challenge, but also a test of the perseverance of the "preserving education" journey in these highlands.

The Son La Provincial Youth Union, in collaboration with benefactors, donated gifts and warm clothing to poor students in border areas.

In response to this situation, with the proactive efforts of schools, local authorities, organizations, and volunteer groups, tens of thousands of life jackets, warm blankets, books, backpacks, etc., have been distributed to poor students and those in remote schools. These gifts not only have material value but also serve as a source of encouragement, helping the children feel more confident in attending classes during the harsh winter.

Lighting a fire in the classroom

At Long He Kindergarten in Long He commune, an area frequently affected by severe cold weather, measures to keep children warm are implemented very early. According to Ms. Ho Thi Dua, the school's Deputy Principal, when temperatures begin to drop significantly, the school reviews all facilities and proactively implements measures to protect and keep students warm.

Teachers at Muong Lan Ethnic Minority Boarding Primary School inspect the boarding rooms to ensure students are kept warm.

Currently, 100% of the school's classrooms are fully equipped with warm blankets and foam floor coverings; classroom doors are securely sealed to minimize drafts. Teachers regularly communicate with parents, reminding them to prepare warm clothing and monitor their children's health when they come to class. Beyond just learning conditions, students' daily meals are also adjusted to suit the cold weather, ensuring sufficient nutrition and boosting their immune systems.

Thanks to these proactive measures, despite the prolonged severe cold, the school's student attendance rate remained at 100%. For remote schools located deep in mountainous villages with difficult access, teachers proactively lit fires to warm students during class and breaks. These small fires not only ward off the cold but also provide a sense of warmth and security for students during the highland winter. However, alongside providing warmth, the school always prioritizes safety, especially fire prevention and control.

In Xim Vang commune, where thick fog often appears from early morning, teacher Hoang Thi My of Binh Minh Kindergarten said that on days when the temperature drops sharply, students often shiver when they come to class. After school, teachers utilize available firewood to light small fires to warm the children and also cover them with blankets. These simple acts have become a warm support system, helping students feel secure and comfortable while studying in harsh weather conditions.

Students at Muong Cai Ethnic Boarding Primary School in Chieng Khoong commune received warm jackets from benefactors and the Provincial Youth Union.

Cold weather protection combined with safety.

Son La province currently has over 376,000 students studying at more than 600 educational institutions, ranging from preschool, primary, secondary, and high schools to continuing education centers. During the winter months, many schools in mountainous areas are frequently affected by severe cold, frost, and dense fog, creating significant difficulties for teaching and learning.

Given the complex weather developments, the Education Department of Son La province has proactively implemented a comprehensive set of measures to prevent and combat the cold. Mr. Nguyen Van Chien, Director of the Department of Education and Training of Son La province, said that the Department has directly instructed the principals of educational institutions to strengthen efforts to ensure the health and safety of students and teachers, especially at schools in mountainous areas and areas with difficult terrain.

Accordingly, schools are required to review all classroom doors and dormitory/boarding room doors to ensure they are well-sealed and protected from cold winds, preventing students and teachers from being affected. In addition, the use of electricity, coal, and firewood for heating is strictly managed; students are instructed on safe usage to prevent gas poisoning and fire hazards. Fire prevention and firefighting education is also being strengthened in schools.

Students at Binh Minh Kindergarten in Xim Vang commune are being kept warm by their teacher with warm blankets.

According to reports, by the afternoon of January 9th, temperatures in all 75 communes and wards of Son La province had dropped significantly, with many areas ranging from only 10 to 14 degrees Celsius. In this context, ensuring the health of students has been identified as a top priority by the Education sector, alongside maintaining the quality of teaching and learning. Coordination between schools, local authorities, organizations, and parents continues to be strengthened to provide timely support in the form of warm clothing and essential supplies for poor students and those in disadvantaged schools.

Amidst the harsh winter in the highlands of Son La, small fires in the classrooms and extra blankets for the students not only ward off the cold but also warm their hearts with hope. This is the silent dedication of the teachers in the highlands, who are tirelessly ensuring that literacy is not interrupted, so that students in the remote mountains can continue to attend school regularly and confidently on their educational journey.

Source: https://giaoducthoidai.vn/giu-am-hoc-sinh-vung-cao-son-la-post763364.html