Learning to read in old age

Lighting up letters in Lung Prong village

In Lung Prong village (Duc Co commune, Gia Lai ), every evening when the mist has fallen on the mountainside, the lights in the small classrooms light up. There, the “special students” have white hair, some carry babies on their backs while patiently spelling out each letter. For them, studying is not only to learn how to read and write, but also to regain confidence and faith in knowledge and in themselves.

At 6:30 p.m., Mrs. Kpuih H'Hai (62 years old, Lung Prong village) was busy preparing her books. Instead of sitting with her children and grandchildren like many others her age, she chose to diligently go to class. Her voice faltered when talking about her unfinished childhood, when she only had time to go to school for one or two years before having to drop out due to poverty. For many years, she lived with illiteracy, and was sometimes embarrassed by her children and grandchildren's requests because she could not write.

“Every time my child asked me to sign or write something that I couldn’t do, I just kept quiet and felt so embarrassed. For me, writing used to be an obsession,” Ms. H’Hai confided.

In September 2023, Le Van Tam Primary School opened a literacy class, and Ms. H'Hai immediately registered, despite the gossip: "What is the point of studying at this age?". For her, knowing how to read is not only to read newspapers or signs, but also to avoid having to rely on others.

"With free books and pencils, I just need to come to class on time," Ms. H'Hai smiled gently.

At the age of 40, Kpuih Phuoc also has a similar inferiority complex. As a child, due to poverty, he dropped out of school early. His thirst for knowledge never faded, but he did not have the means to study on his own. When an literacy class opened right in his village, he considered it a rare opportunity. Every night, he put aside his farm work to go to class, even refusing many parties with friends. That perseverance helped him to be trusted and elected as class monitor.

“In the past, I had to ask someone else to do any paperwork at the commune level, which was very embarrassing. Now I can read and write, I am much more confident, and I can even go online to read news. My life has completely changed,” Phuoc excitedly shared.

From being illiterate, students can read and write after a period of attending literacy classes.

The most persistent image is probably Ms. Rmah H'Byin (28 years old). Even though she just gave birth to a baby over a month ago, she still carries her baby to class every night. When the baby sleeps, she takes the opportunity to write, and when the baby cries, the teachers hold her so she can continue studying.

“I have three children but I still want to learn to read and write. After finishing school, I feel more confident and am no longer shy when talking to many people. I will try not to miss any class,” she said.

In the small room, the elderly attentively spell, the young people carefully write each letter, the young mother holds her child while studying… All create a touching picture of learning, adding motivation to the whole community.

Persistently sowing letters at the border

Teachers enthusiastically guide students.

Ms. Trinh Thi Ngoc Tu - Vice Principal of Le Van Tam Primary School said that the class opened in September 2023, initially with 20 students, mostly Jrai. After nearly two years, there are 17 students studying regularly, currently entering the fifth semester.

According to Ms. Tu, the program consists of 5 semesters, upon completion, students will receive a certificate equivalent to elementary school. Despite the small number of students, the school still arranges a homeroom teacher and seven teachers in charge of Math, Vietnamese, and Science .

“Despite the long distance and the rain, people still come to our homes to encourage students to come to class. During the day we teach the main subjects, and in the evening we teach literacy. Seeing the students grow up day by day, reading and writing fluently, we are very happy,” Ms. Tu confided.

Not only a place to learn, the classroom has also become a place to share. People who used to be shy are now bolder; the elderly are happier, young people have more opportunities to find jobs, and women are confident in taking care of their children.

The literacy class in Lung Prong village is a testament to the spirit of “if there is one illiterate person, the whole society will take care of them”. Knowledge not only helps people in their work, but also opens new doors for them to confidently integrate into the community.

Source: https://giaoducthoidai.vn/hoc-chu-o-tuoi-xe-chieu-post745037.html