Amidst the hot summer days in Vinh Xuan and Hoa Binh communes, Vinh Long province, a special class still takes place regularly. No transcripts, no tuition, but full of laughter and love. It is a free summer class initiated by young teacher Nguyen Khanh, continuing a humane story in the countryside of the West.
Summer fun, study without pressure
At the Traditional House of the Vinh Long Provincial Party Committee, a drawing class is taking place with great excitement. The children are attentively coloring, chattering away. Among them, Nguyen Quynh Lam, a third grader at Vinh Xuan Primary School, is whispering as she colors: “I like studying here because it’s fun and I have many friends. I get to learn to sing, draw, learn English, and even practice writing!”
Lam and more than 80 other students are attending two free summer classes in Vinh Xuan and Hoa Binh communes, organized by a group of volunteer teachers under the leadership of Mr. Nguyen Khanh. “Initially, the plan was to have 30 students in each class, but the number of parents registering was so high that we couldn’t bear to refuse them. We accepted them until we ran out of desks and chairs,” Mr. Khanh shared.
The class operates three sessions a week, with rich content ranging from writing, singing, drawing, to life skills, acting, and MC training. There are no grades or competitions, and the class takes place in the spirit of “learning while playing, playing while learning.” For many students in rural areas lacking playgrounds, this is a rare and valuable summer experience.
Nguyen Le Hoang Phuc, a fourth grader in Tra Con commune, was brought to class by his mother with joy and happiness. “Before, I used to stay home during the summer to play games and bathe in the river. This summer I am learning to write. What I like most is writing beautifully!”, he smiled brightly.
What is special about this class is not only the flexible curriculum but also the environment that fosters character. Children learn how to present in front of a crowd, know how to thank people for help, and share with friends. “Since attending summer school, my child has made obvious progress. He draws better, speaks confidently, and most importantly, knows how to be polite,” said Lu Thi Thi, a parent.
The class also featured a stage artist from Ho Chi Minh City to teach performance skills to rural students, an activity that many parents here had never thought of.
Journey from a small idea
In 2015, Mr. Nguyen Khanh, a teacher at Huu Thanh B Primary School, organized a free summer class for the first time in Hieu Thanh Commune, his hometown. “Many children in the countryside do not have the conditions to take extra classes or participate in summer activities. Some children stay at home all day with their phones, which also increases the risk of accidents. I want them to have a safe place to study and play,” Mr. Khanh shared about his initial idea.
From a class of only 25 students, after 9 summers, the model has spread to many communes, with more than 600 students participating. Currently, the class has two annual locations, attracting the attention of parents, authorities and benefactors.
Not only organizing classes, Mr. Khanh also mobilized social resources to buy school supplies, desks, chairs, and prizes. He also established a “Mutual Support” fund to sponsor 8 poor students until they turn 18.
“Currently, there are 6 teachers and I maintaining this model. Every year, we discuss lesson plans, assign tasks by age group, and ask for locations from the local authorities. Some parents are willing to lend spacious premises for many years. Thanks to that, the class is still active even though there is no stable source of funding,” said Mr. Khanh.
Accompanying Mr. Khanh are many enthusiastic teachers such as Ms. Nguyen Thi Quyen (Thuan Thoi Secondary School), Ms. Nguyen Thi My Dung (Thoi Hoa A Primary School), Ms. Nguyen Thi Ngoc Yen (Vinh Xuan Primary School), Mr. Huynh Ngoc Quyen (Tra On Secondary School)... Despite the long distance and busy work, the teachers still regularly attend class with a volunteer spirit.
Ms. My Dung, who has been involved with the model for 4 years, said: “I am in charge of teaching calligraphy and fine arts. Each course has a light test to monitor the students’ progress. Parents have given very positive feedback. In the countryside, having a fun learning environment like this is very rare.”
Ms. Nguyen Thi Quyen confided: “Every time I go to class, I don’t feel tired. The students are well-behaved, polite and very excited. The class helps them develop soft skills, learn how to cooperate and care for each other.”
The valuable thing is that the support between teachers is always in sync. If someone is busy, someone else will cover the shift. It is this spirit of solidarity and sharing that has been the foundation for the class to exist until now.
Besides its educational value, the free summer class in Vinh Long is also a place to foster community spirit. Parents not only bring their children to class, but also provide logistical support and help with small things: lending their house, providing drinking water, mobilizing rewards...
“We don’t need much, just a place to teach, and if we want to teach with all our heart, we are ready,” Mr. Khanh confided.
However, the journey has not been without its hardships. Facilities are lacking, and fundraising is increasingly difficult. Many teachers have to work overtime, travel far, and even spend their own money to buy supplies for their students. But all are united in their desire to bring the children of their hometown a meaningful and safe summer.
Source: https://giaoducthoidai.vn/lop-hoc-day-yeu-thuong-khong-hoc-phi-post742219.html
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