Unforgettable moments of highland students when they first touched the keyboard

When the computer room opened, the students' laughter echoed through the Dao San mountains and forests. Putting their hands on the keyboard for the first time, they felt like they were touching a new world.

Dao San Primary Boarding School for Ethnic Minorities is located in the Phong Tho border area ( Lai Chau ). The students are mainly children of ethnic minorities such as Dao, Mong, Thai... Mobilizing children to go to school is difficult because the poverty rate is nearly 50%, and parents do not fully understand the value of education.

Five years ago, children here had never seen a computer. Computer lessons at that time were limited to a few white chalk strokes by teachers, helping students visualize the equipment and basic operations.

The real turning point came when the Ministry of Education and Training implemented the 2018 General Education Program, making Information Technology a compulsory subject from grade 3. The school was equipped with 25 computers and the computer room began operating.

Students of Dao San Ethnic Boarding School in an IT lesson

Having worked at the school for 11 years, Mr. Bui Duc Thinh - an IT teacher, never forgets the first day the highland students were exposed to computers. When the door to the computer room opened, cheers rang out loudly in the mountains and forests. For children who were only familiar with wooden boards and white chalk, the moment they put their hands on the keyboard and moved the "mouse" was an interesting experience.

Sowing the love of IT in students in mountainous areas requires a lot of patience. One of the biggest challenges is that they have never been exposed to technology, are still confused and lack confidence when operating on the computer. Many do not know how to turn on the computer, do not understand what a "mouse" is, "afraid that touching it will cause them to be bitten or electrocuted".

"By the third lesson, some students were still struggling to open the folder, some were just watching their friends do it because they didn't understand yet. At this point, teaching is not simply about imparting theory, but also about encouraging students to believe in their own abilities. I have to both lecture and guide them so they don't get discouraged," the young teacher confided.

After many years of attachment, teacher Tran Thi Thao (Dao San Boarding School for Ethnic Minorities) witnessed many changes in this land. Overcoming the difficulties of the early days, from the temporary classrooms in the village built with dirt, thatched roofs, no electricity, no water, no phone signal..., Ms. Thao is happy because up to now, the classrooms have become more spacious, the school is equipped with IT equipment.

"The journey of bringing IT to students in the highlands is as difficult as bringing electricity to each village. However, the meaning is immeasurable. When the computer screen turns on in the middle of the classroom, I feel as if I am lighting a lamp of knowledge, erasing the boundaries of knowledge and technology," Ms. Thao said happily.

Pham Hoang Nhien (student of class 2A1) achieved high results in IT exams.

Under the guidance of teachers, students gradually learn to type their first letters, draw flowers in Paint, or write their names on the computer screen. Among them, Pham Hoang Nhien (student of class 2A1) is a living example of the efforts of students in disadvantaged areas. Although he was still confused at first, with diligence, Nhien excellently completed the National Violympic Round in Math and Vietnamese in the 2024-2025 school year.

" This is the first time I have learned about computers. Thanks to the teachers' guidance, I know how to type documents, take online tests, and read books to supplement my knowledge. I am very happy and grateful," Hoang Nhien shared.

In addition to Hoang Nhien's achievements, many other students also achieved high results in school, district and national level competitions.

Dao San Boarding School for Ethnic Minorities is the first stop in the journey to show gratitude to teachers working in border areas, islands and areas with especially difficult socio -economic conditions of the program "Sharing with teachers 2025" organized by the Central Committee of the Vietnam Youth Union, the Ministry of Education and Training and Thien Long Group.

The program not only contributes to improving the material and spiritual life of teachers in the border areas, but also concretizes the aspiration to accompany the career of "growing people", nurturing a generation of Vietnamese students who are confident, integrated and compassionate.

LINH NHI

Source: https://vtcnews.vn/khoanh-khac-kho-quen-cua-hoc-tro-vung-cao-khi-lan-dau-cham-vao-ban-phim-ar984149.html