A summer class filled with love.

Under the evening lights, the free summer classes under the "Green Shirt Tutor" program of the Ho Chi Minh City Youth Union are always filled with laughter and love.

A classroom of student "teachers".

One rainy evening, we visited the "Green Shirt Tutor" program's classroom at Dong An Primary School, Tan Dong Hiep Ward, Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Di An City, Binh Duong Province). Despite the torrential rain and the puddles on the road, a warm atmosphere prevailed inside the classroom.

The class of student volunteers at Dong An Primary School, Tan Dong Hiep Ward, Ho Chi Minh City.

PHOTO: THAO PHUONG

The classroom was simple, with neatly arranged wooden desks and chairs, and the children were attentively listening. Young volunteers in blue shirts were diligently teaching with patience and love. Occasionally, a few giggles could be heard when a child correctly solved a fun riddle incorporated into the lesson.

Thirteen-year-old Nguyen Vo Tuong Vy excitedly shared: "I really enjoy going to school. I go every day of the week, from Monday to Friday, without missing a single day. Because of circumstances, I can't attend school like other children. During the day, I help my parents with housework, and in the evening, I ride my bike to school." Vy's innocent story serves as proof of the children's eagerness to learn, despite the many difficulties in their lives.

Next to them, Nguyen Thanh Phuc, also 13 years old, thin and dark-skinned but always with a bright smile, recounted his life in a slow voice: "I live with my grandparents, but they're not my biological grandparents. They're the owners of the rented house where I used to live with my mother. Many years ago, my mother left, leaving me alone. My grandparents have raised me ever since."

Phuc recounted that his grandparents loved him, providing him with food, shelter, and allowing him to attend charity classes. "I love going to school. It's fun because there are many friends, the teachers are easy to understand, they often organize games, and they give us cakes and candies," Phuc smiled. For the children here, the opportunity to learn and acquire literacy is incredibly precious.

The classroom was warm, welcoming, and full of love.

PHOTO: THAO PHUONG

Hoang Ngoc Huan, a student at Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology, shared: "I really like children, especially knowing the circumstances of the children here, it makes me even more eager to come to class. The children are very well-behaved, attentive, and focused. Before each lesson, we organize small games to review knowledge and create a fun atmosphere. During the lesson, I incorporate riddles and real-life stories to help the children understand easily. Besides lecturing, we always try to make each lesson interesting and engaging, so that the children feel that going to school is a joy."

Nguyen Pham Viet Khoa, a student at Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and a first-time volunteer in the "Green Shirt Tutor" program, shared: "At first, I was worried because the children were so young. But after getting to know them, I understood each child's personality and learned how to communicate appropriately. I created games to make the lessons fun, while also listening and sharing with them. Every day in class is a day I learn to be patient and appreciate the little things more. Here, some children learn quickly, some learn slowly, but they all have one thing in common: effort and a desire to learn."

"Sowing the seeds of literacy" for underprivileged children.

A similar atmosphere prevails at another free summer class in Tan An neighborhood, Tan Dong Hiep ward, Ho Chi Minh City. The small classroom is always filled with laughter and positive energy. Here, nearly 20 children of various ages are daily absorbing knowledge from student tutors.

Tran Tan Phat, a student at Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and the team leader of the "Green Shirt Tutor" program under the "We Move Forward Together" Club, shared: "Initially, I only thought of participating to avoid wasting my summer time, but the more I learned about the children's circumstances, the more I wanted to do more for them."

Each student will be responsible for tutoring 1-2 children.

PHOTO: THANH NHI

A free summer class for students at the Tan An neighborhood management board, Tan Dong Hiep ward, Ho Chi Minh City.

PHOTO: THAO PHUONG

According to Phat, the classes are held in the afternoons from Monday to Friday, from 5 PM to 7 PM. Before starting, Phat and other volunteers assess each student's level, then teach using textbooks, incorporating games and rewards to encourage learning.

The classroom atmosphere is always lively, with each volunteer assigned to tutor one or two children. Truong Man Hoa, a student at Ho Chi Minh City University of Transport, said she was initially confused about teaching, especially when dealing with hyperactive or slow-learning children. "But then I realized that if I'm patient and repeat things many times, the children will understand," Hoa shared. Hoa's efforts have helped the children gradually understand the lessons.

Vo Thanh Phat, another volunteer from Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology, recounted his experience tutoring a second-grade student: "He was very active, so I had to be strict to keep him focused. I went online to learn how elementary school teachers teach, and I researched the children's circumstances to wholeheartedly dedicate myself to teaching them." Every day, Phat comes to class with a strong sense of responsibility, constantly seeking ways to help the children understand the lessons as easily as possible.

A volunteer is giving a lesson to a young child.

PHOTO: THANH NHI

In that classroom is Le Thi Kim Linh (9 years old), who every day rides her small purple bicycle along the familiar road to school. Linh happily says, "I really enjoy learning English and I'm excited about the games the older students organize."

Perhaps the children's smiles are the most precious gift for the volunteers, who dedicated their summer to spreading knowledge and bringing joy. The classes taught by these "blue-uniformed" tutors are not only places for imparting knowledge but also bridges of love, where children find hope and students find meaning in life. Under the classroom lights, smiles, bright eyes, and enthusiastic hearts created a summer filled with love.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/lop-hoc-he-day-ap-yeu-thuong-18525080420422443.htm