Special opening ceremony at Ho Chi Minh City Oncology Hospital.

Amidst the rows of wards at the Ho Chi Minh City Oncology Hospital, a small but laughter-filled classroom has opened at the beginning of the new school year. It's the "Sunflower" class, born from the "Thuy's Dream" program of Tuoi Tre newspaper.

Báo Tuổi Trẻ•04/09/2025

Lễ khai giảng đặc biệt tại Bệnh viện Ung bướu TP.HCM - Ảnh 1. — Mr. Nguyen Phuoc Loc leads the young patients into the classroom after the opening ceremony - Photo: TRI DUC

"In the joyful atmosphere of early September, as the whole country solemnly celebrated the 80th anniversary of National Day on September 2nd and prepared to enter the new school year 2025-2026, the Ho Chi Minh City Oncology Hospital organized the opening ceremony of a special class called 'Sunflower' for children undergoing treatment here," said Dr. Diep Bao Tuan, Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Oncology Hospital, at the opening ceremony of the special class on the morning of September 4th.

This is a special class with special students, in a very special place: the Ho Chi Minh City Oncology Hospital, not a school.

The opening ceremony was attended by Mr. Nguyen Phuoc Loc - Deputy Secretary of the City Party Committee, Chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Ho Chi Minh City; Ms. Truong Thi Bich Hanh - Member of the Standing Committee of the City Party Committee, Permanent Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Ho Chi Minh City... along with teachers, benefactors and a large number of parents.

The presence of leaders and guests was a great source of encouragement for the young patients on this special opening day.

Lễ khai giảng đặc biệt tại Bệnh viện Ung bướu TP.HCM - Ảnh 2. — The young patients in the class are participating in the flag-raising ceremony - Photo: TRI DUC

The "Sunflower Class" has been running for the past 16 years, with the aim of bringing knowledge and the joy of learning to children who are unfortunately suffering from serious illnesses.

Unlike regular schools, this class takes place right on the hospital grounds. Besides the teachers' instruction, the program also receives support from sponsors, benefactors, and volunteers.

Notably, the class was formed as part of the "Thuy's Dream" program launched by Tuoi Tre newspaper, with the aim of providing a learning environment for children who unfortunately suffer from cancer.

From that initial seed, after many years, the "Sunflower" class has become a beacon of humanity, a place that nurtures thousands of children's dreams amidst their battle against illness.

Here, the children receive treatment while also having the opportunity to study and review their knowledge so that their studies will not be interrupted when they return to school. More importantly, the classroom is also a place for them to connect, share, and create joy and strength.

Lễ khai giảng đặc biệt tại Bệnh viện Ung bướu TP.HCM - Ảnh 3. — Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee Deputy Secretary Nguyen Phuoc Loc (far left) and Director of Ho Chi Minh City Oncology Hospital Diep Bao Tuan (second from right) present gifts to the teachers of the class - Photo: TRI DUC

One of the students in the class is CHH, 16 years old, from Thanh Hoa province . H. has been receiving treatment for lymphoma at the Oncology Hospital for two years.

Despite undergoing numerous chemotherapy treatments and experiencing declining health, H. always makes time to attend classes whenever she feels well. H.'s story is a vivid testament to her eagerness to learn, her optimism, and the humanistic values of this classroom model.

Dr. Diep Bao Tuan believes that this year's class will continue to be successful, becoming a source of emotional support for the children and their families throughout the treatment process.

Amidst the joyful atmosphere of the first day of school, the innocent eyes of the children in the hospital spoke of their yearning to live, to learn, and to continue pursuing their dreams.