Shared roof of poor students

Where dreams take flight

Mrs. Mac's house is located at the end of a small alley in Xuan Duc 2 village, Truong Ninh commune, Quang Tri province. For more than 30 years, this house has always been filled with laughter and simple but meaningful meals. From the very first days, the students of Truong Son commune called her by the affectionate and respectful name: "Mrs. Mac".

That love originated from a strong, warm and affectionate ideal. Mrs. Mac was born into a family whose father was a martyr. In her youth, she participated in revolutionary activities, transporting food on the fierce Truong Son route. The spirit of dedication and love for her homeland and country was deeply ingrained in her blood.

After the country was reunified, she went upstream to Long Dai to trade and exchange products with the Van Kieu people in Truong Son commune. Through conversations, Mrs. Mac learned that many students here had to drop out of school after finishing 9th grade because the high school was far away. Many of them, because their families were poor and could not afford to rent a room, had to leave school unfinished.

Ms. Tran Thi Mac always cares for and encourages students in their studies - Photo: LC

Mrs. Mac herself had a difficult childhood, so she understands better than anyone the hardships that students have to go through. She discussed with her husband, arranged accommodation and took care of students with difficult circumstances to study in the lowlands. Since then, Mrs. Mac's house has become a warm home and a place to help many generations of poor students achieve their dreams.

Not only does she provide a place for her grandchildren to sleep, Mrs. Mac also takes care of everything like a real grandmother. She goes to the market, cooks, prepares simple but complete family meals, and teaches her grandchildren about studying, speaking, and how to behave. The students here are considered by her as her own children and grandchildren, and are always taken care of meticulously.

Vo Thi Uyen Nhi, Long Son village, Truong Son commune shared: “I have been living at Mrs. Mac’s house for 3 years now. She always loves, protects, and treats us like her own children. Every day, she goes to the market to cook for the whole family, and teaches us the right things in life. She always encourages us to study hard so as not to disappoint our parents and become useful people for society.”

The children's laughter and lively chatter were the joy and motivation that helped her overcome the losses in her life. The ultimate pain came to her when her husband and only son passed away due to serious illness and accident. However, Mrs. Mac suppressed her grief and devoted all her love to caring for and loving the students she cared for.

Sweet fruit from silent sacrifice

Visited Mrs. Mac's house in the late afternoon. In the small house, she was busy picking each vegetable, preparing dinner for the whole family.

“In the first days of school, I was very worried about being away from my parents. But with the help and guidance of my grandmother and siblings, I quickly integrated and studied hard. I feel lucky and grateful to be able to live and study in the love of everyone,” said Truong Nguyen Bao Trinh, Long Son village, Truong Son commune.

The small house of Mrs. Tran Thi Mac is a free place to live for many generations of poor students in Truong Son commune - Photo: LC

Currently, Mrs. Mac is taking care of 6 students in Truong Son commune, 3 of whom are about to graduate from high school. When this group of students graduates, another group comes to ask to stay. Mrs. Mac's house is never without laughter. Many generations of students, after finishing school, working, getting married... still occasionally return to visit the old house, to visit the grandmother who took care of them for many years.

“My children are all very obedient and studious. Many of them have very pitiful circumstances. They see me as their grandmother, so although life is difficult, I always try to take care of them in the best possible conditions. Whenever a child graduates from high school, I am very happy so that they can go to college or university and come back to build their homeland in the future,” Ms. Mac confided.

Mrs. Mac’s silent sacrifice has paid off. Dozens of generations of students have grown up under this roof. Many have passed the entrance exams to professional schools, become engineers, teachers, and then returned to their villages, using their intelligence and strength to build their homeland.

In response to Mrs. Tran Thi Mac’s noble heart, the local government has called for the construction of a solid and sturdy house for her to protect her from storms and to provide Truong Son students with a more spacious and clean place to live. The house has an area of 60 square meters with a total value of 300 million VND.

Each of the students’ diplomas is the “most noble medal” that Mrs. Mac has received. The seeds she sowed have sprouted well, giving wings to dreams of overcoming the great wilderness. Despite her old age, weak health and many difficulties in life, Mrs. Mac is still steadfast: “As long as I am alive and healthy, I will still welcome my children to live with me.” She still silently helps and supports the students to have a peaceful place to live during their challenging learning journey.

Secretary of the Party Committee of Truong Ninh Commune, Tran Quang Minh, said: “Ms. Tran Thi Mac’s work over the past three decades is admirable. She is not only an exemplary citizen, but also a Party member with nearly 60 years of Party membership, always keeping her oath of dedication. Her kindness and silent sacrifice have spread good values in the community, making an important contribution to the cause of education and homeland development. She is a shining example of humanity, worthy for everyone to learn and follow.”

Lan Chi

Source: https://baoquangtri.vn/xa-hoi/202510/mai-nha-chung-cua-hoc-sinh-ngheo-f4d5169/