The reason why many schools in Ho Chi Minh City do not accept flowers on November 20

TPO - Many schools in Ho Chi Minh City exchanged November 20 flowers for books and used the funds to help disadvantaged students or support people affected by natural disasters.

Phan Van Tri Primary School (Cau Ong Lanh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City) recently posted a notice stating that it would not accept flowers on November 20, but instead would accept books, candy or school supplies for students.

Mr. Le Hong Thai, Principal of Phan Van Tri Primary School, said that for many years, on November 20, the school has received many fresh flowers. However, the flowers will eventually wither, while students still lack many learning materials. Therefore, instead of receiving flowers, the school hopes to receive gifts of books, learning materials, and candy to encourage and motivate students, and to make the joy of Teachers' Day more meaningful.

Students of Phan Van Tri Primary School (Cau Ong Lanh Ward, HCMC) at the opening ceremony of the new school year. Photo: Anh Nhan

Mr. Thai added that since the previous school year, the school has announced that it will not accept flowers to celebrate November 20. The movement has received great consensus from parents and donors. Many parents have donated school supplies and sports equipment to the school, contributing to increasing resources to support students in participating in cultural, sports and artistic activities.

"With limited funding and facilities, the school hopes that parents and donors will continue to support the students by replacing flowers with practical support," said Mr. Thai.

Similarly, Nguyen Van Luong Secondary School (Binh Phu Ward, Ho Chi Minh City) also organized a ceremony to celebrate Vietnamese Teachers' Day on November 20th in a light, frugal and sharing manner.

Mr. Dinh Phu Cuong, Principal of Nguyen Van Luong Secondary School (HCMC), said that this year the school will not hold a big ceremony on November 20, but will only hold a short propaganda session for students on Monday morning.

Students of Nguyen Van Luong Secondary School (Binh Phu Ward, Ho Chi Minh City) support people in the Central region who suffered losses due to natural disasters. Photo: School website.

“November 20th falls in the middle of the week, so after the propaganda session, teachers still teach as usual. We agreed not to hold a solemn ceremony. Partly because of the general difficult situation, partly because this year the people of the Central region suffered heavy losses due to natural disasters. The school wants to use part of the organization's budget to support people in flood-affected areas, as suggested by the Fatherland Front ,” said Mr. Cuong.

At this school, not accepting flowers and gifts on November 20th has become a tradition that has lasted for three years. In previous years, the school encouraged parents to exchange flowers for health insurance cards for students, but now students are exempt from insurance fees so it is no longer necessary. Instead, donors and parents donate notebooks, books, and school supplies.

“We do not ask for donations, but parents voluntarily offer to give flowers as gifts to disadvantaged students. When someone sends a gift, the school will give it directly to the students,” Mr. Cuong added.

Source: https://tienphong.vn/ly-do-nhieu-truong-hoc-tai-tphcm-khong-nhan-hoa-ngay-2011-post1794470.tpo