Nghe An: Students in Luong Minh school brave floodwaters to get to school after suspension bridge swept away.

In the mountainous region of Luong Minh (Nghe An province), the journey to school for students is no longer a carefree walk along a familiar path, but a precarious crossing of the Nam Non River. The only suspension bridge has been swept away by floods, leaving behind much worry and anxiety. Amidst the difficulties, the desire to learn to read and write still shines in the eyes of these children, and the dream of a sturdy bridge becomes increasingly fervent.

The precarious journeys of boats carrying dreams to school.

Early in the morning, while the mist still covered the Nậm Nơn River, Lương Văn Tý, a sixth-grade student at Lượng Minh Ethnic Boarding Junior High School, slung his worn schoolbag over his shoulder and gently took his mother's hand before stepping into a small boat. His mother pressed a life jacket into his hand, her voice trembling as she reminded him, "Remember to sit still on the river, don't be naughty!" The boat swayed, the oars splashing the water, carrying him and his friends to the other side, where the school bell awaited them.

This is the daily journey to school for hundreds of students in Luong Minh commune after the historic flood at the end of July 2025 – when the only suspension bridge connecting the two banks of the Nam Non River was swept away.

Every morning, a large crowd of parents, students, and teachers wait for the boat to cross the river, hoping to arrive at school on time.

With the bridge gone, the entire impoverished highland commune is now isolated. Villages deep in the mountains such as Chẳm Puông, Minh Thành, Minh Tiến, Đửa, Lạ, Xốp Mạt, Minh Phương, Côi… are left with no choice but to go to Xốp Mạt ferry terminal and wait for boats to cross the river to reach the commune center.

Every morning, the Nam Non River becomes a wall of water, blocking the path of the students. From dawn, the students call out to each other, crowding the riverbank. The small wooden boat, carrying only 10-15 students, sways precariously on the swirling water. A single trip across the river takes nearly 15 minutes. To transport almost 500 elementary and middle school students, the boat has to make dozens of trips.

The parents standing on the riverbank never stopped worrying. Many didn't dare turn their backs, holding their breath and watching until the boat safely reached the shore before breathing a sigh of relief. "Seeing my child swaying precariously in the middle of the river made my heart ache. But missing school would be a disadvantage for my child, so I had no choice but to entrust them to the life jackets and the militia members steering the boat," shared Ms. Lo Thi Hoa, a parent from Minh Thanh village.

The police in Luong Minh commune mobilized personnel and boats to transport students across the river.

Not only students, but also more than 30 teachers from both schools have to cross the river every day. One teacher recounted that on some rainy days, the current was strong, the boat swayed precariously, and everyone was terrified. But thinking of the classroom and the students waiting, they tightened their life jackets and gritted their teeth to cross.

The commune's People's Committee quickly established a team to assist students crossing the river, assigning police, military , and self-defense militia to take turns on duty. Life jackets, life ropes, and warning whistles were prepared. The commune's Chairman and Vice-Chairman even used their family cars to transport students from the boat dock to school. These simple acts of kindness eased some of the parents' worries, but the feeling of unease remained.

The desire to learn to read and write and the longing for a bridge.

What is admirable is that amidst countless dangers, not a single student dropped out of class. Every morning, the Xop Mat ferry landing resounds with the laughter of children. They reassure each other, the older ones holding the younger ones' hands, telling them, "Just sit still, the boat will take us across." Their clear eyes shine with the yearning to learn to read and write, to continue the dream of escaping poverty passed down from their ancestors.

After being rescued and brought across the river by authorities, the children arrived at Luong Minh Ethnic Boarding Primary School on the morning of September 3rd.

"The raging flood may sweep away the bridge, but it cannot sweep away the students' faith," said Mr. Nguyen Van Thanh, Principal of Luong Minh Ethnic Boarding Primary School, emotionally. He said that seeing the students covered in mud but still carrying their schoolbags to class, the teachers and students are even more determined to preserve literacy in the mountains.

However, everyone understands that these small ferries are only a temporary solution. Two small boats cannot indefinitely shoulder the burden of transporting hundreds of students, especially with the upcoming rainy season and floods. Just one strong gust of wind or one rough wave could have unpredictable consequences.

Due to difficult travel conditions, the school and parents have agreed that the children will stay and study and live at the school.

Mr. Nguyen Van Hoa, Chairman of the People's Committee of Luong Minh commune, expressed his concern: "Without the bridge, the four remote villages would have to travel hundreds of kilometers by road to reach the commune center. We earnestly hope that the province and the central government will soon allocate funds and shorten the construction time so that students can safely get to school."

A bridge not only connects the two banks of the Nam Non River, but also serves as a bridge of knowledge, paving the way for local socio -economic development and gradually bridging the gap between the inland and outlying regions. More importantly, this bridge will preserve the dream of literacy for countless generations of students in this mountainous region, which still faces many hardships.

A meal for students at Luong Minh Ethnic Boarding Primary School.

As evening falls, the Nậm Nơn River continues to flow fiercely. Young Lương Văn Tý is once again with his friends, sharing a meal at their school far from their village. The journey to school may be arduous, but the children never cease to nurture their dreams. And at this riverside, the people of Lượng Minh continue to place their hopes in a bridge – a bridge of safety, of knowledge, and of the future.

Source: https://phunuvietnam.vn/nghe-an-hoc-tro-luong-minh-vuot-lu-den-truong-after-the-suspension-bridge-was-swept-away-20250903161909103.htm