When students... grow old, they remember their teachers

November 20th has become a celebration of the teaching profession, a day to uphold the spirit of respect for teachers in Vietnam. There is a group of former students who not only remember their teachers on this day but also remain connected to them whenever they have the opportunity to meet.

This is how former students of Tay Ho Primary School, Da Lat City, Lam Dong Province (later renamed Nam Ho Primary School) express their gratitude to their teachers.

The bond between teacher and student has lasted through the years.

PHOTO: NGUYEN THANH TRUNG

Let's remind each other to always show gratitude to our teachers.

In the group of former students, everyone is around 70 years old. The group often organizes trips to visit their old teachers, paying respects at the homes of deceased teachers on occasions such as the beginning of the year, Vietnamese Teachers' Day (November 20th), Vietnamese Women's Day, and holding annual alumni reunions… Sometimes, teachers and students gather at the home of a former teacher, or at a student's home, or borrow a community hall in the ward.

Mr. Nguyen Ba Ngoc, the group leader, said: "We formed this group to foster close friendships among elementary school classmates, share joys and sorrows, and remind each other to always be grateful to the teachers who taught and educated us from a young age. Especially, to set an example for our children and grandchildren to live with love, cherish friendships, and always respect and be grateful to the teachers who have taught them..."

The seven-page calendar preserves images of teachers and students from the past to the present, serving as an annual commemorative gift.

PHOTO: NGUYEN THANH TRUNG

The warm bond between teacher and student.

Besides meeting and visiting, the alumni group also organizes celebrations for the longevity of their former teachers. These gatherings are filled with fresh flowers brought by classmates; some bring gifts, others contribute... Even the teachers make their own cakes and bring them along. Every reunion includes gifts and treats from Mr. Nguyen Van Thuan (Principal of Tay Ho Primary School, 1967-1968) and Ms. Nguyen Thi Bich (who taught at the same school). Both teachers started families while teaching there.

As for teacher Tran Thi Le (now 84 years old), she had a camera when she taught at Tay Ho Primary School back then, so she took some pictures of the daily life of teachers and students. She has carefully preserved these images for nearly 60 years. Whenever she has the opportunity to meet her former students, she shows them these precious mementos, fostering a bond between former teachers and students.

Teachers and students at a reunion in 2024.

PHOTO: NGUYEN THANH TRUNG

During these gatherings, photos of the alumni group's activities throughout the year are selected and printed on a 7-page annual calendar, which serves as a New Year's gift to the teachers and students in the group.

Mr. Phan Cu, Principal of Tay Ho Primary School from 1969 to 1973, shared: "The way the students formed groups and organized themselves is wonderful. The teachers are very moved, happy, and proud of their students…".

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/khi-hoc-tro-gia-nho-on-thay-co-185241118102159671.htm