A school of compassion in Nghe An

There is a 50-year-old school in Nghe An province brimming with affection between teachers and students, and between former students and younger generations. This spirit of gratitude and continuity has become a source of touching pride.

Nothing is more enduring than helping someone through education.

This is Quynh Luu 4 High School, Quynh Tam commune, Nghe An province. Since the 2022-2023 school year, the "Lighting Up the Future" scholarship fund has been established at the school, stemming from the reality that many students are at risk of dropping out due to extremely difficult family circumstances, with parents unable to support their children's education, even though these are studious and academically gifted students. So, is there a way to help these students? The "Lighting Up the Future" scholarship fund was established in the 2022-2023 school year, so that former students who have graduated and have jobs can return to contribute and support disadvantaged students so they can confidently attend school, graduate from high school, or continue their studies at university.

Mr. Ho Trung Kien during a recent trip with the volunteer group from Quynh Luu 4 High School to donate gifts to flood victims in Nghe An province.

PHOTO: PH

Ms. Le Thi Hai Yen, a math teacher, said that with the "Lighting Up the Future" scholarship fund, former students are also generous benefactors who can assist one or more students; they can help them for one school year or provide long-term support, depending on their ability. Previously, the school compiled a list of students needing academic assistance (teachers verified the actual circumstances of these students) so that benefactors could identify and support them. In particular, each former student acts as a mentor, offering advice to the students on their studies, career choices, and future paths after grade 12.

Former student Nguyen Thi Nhu Y, class president of class A, graduating class of 2002-2005, has directly supported many disadvantaged students over the past three years. She has also mobilized philanthropists and companies to partner with the "Lighting Up the Future" fund from its inception to the present day, helping students overcome difficulties, excel in their studies, and have the financial means to pursue higher education. With her compassionate heart, she and many other philanthropists have also provided free porridge to poor people at three hospitals in Minh An, Quan Thanh, and Phu Dien (Nghe An province) for the past two years.

Ms. Nhu Y (center), on behalf of the alumni of the 28th graduating class, receives a thank-you letter from Principal Ho Van Thanh (left).

PHOTO: PH

Ho Trung Kien was a student at Quynh Luu 4 High School from 2006-2009. After a period of paid internship in Japan, he returned to his hometown and is currently the Director of the GEC Study Abroad Company branch (in Vinh Phu Ward, Nghe An Province). Over the years, Mr. Kien has participated in many relief activities following floods and storms in Nghe An and many northern mountainous provinces. He not only provides financial assistance to disadvantaged students and supports the scholarship fund of Quynh Luu 4 High School but is also an active member of the school's volunteer group, accompanying them in many relief efforts and distributing gifts to the poor.

Since the 2022-2023 school year, Mr. Kien has been involved with the "Lighting Up the Future" scholarship fund. Currently, he is supporting the tuition fees, mentoring, and accompanying a 12th-grade student throughout the school year. "Nothing is more sustainable than helping someone through education . When they have knowledge and skills, their future is no longer uncertain," Mr. Kien said.

The "Lighting Up the Future" scholarship fund has profound humanitarian significance. It's not just about sharing material resources, but also about providing spiritual encouragement and inspiring students to overcome difficulties with confidence and determination. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the alumni who have always shown their support for the school, contributing to its continued development and upholding its tradition of "Excellent Teaching - Excellent Learning, Compassion - Responsibility" for the past half-century.

Mr. Ho Van Thanh, Principal of Quynh Luu 4 High School

Along with alumni Nhu Y and Trung Kien, many other former students have supported the "Lighting Up the Future" scholarship fund over the past years, such as Mr. Mai The Dung, class A1, cohort 41, who recently donated 6 scholarships, each worth 1 million VND, at the opening ceremony of the 2025-2026 school year. Former students Pham Thi Be (cohort 30) and Nguyen Thi Giang (cohort 32) have also contributed significantly to the fund.

In addition, there are many generous benefactors – former students who remain anonymous – who have contributed to the scholarship fund throughout its history. Some have quietly supported the expenses of many poor students until they finish 12th grade, while also covering living expenses and tuition fees for a student studying general medicine at Vinh Medical University (Nghe An province).

HALF A CENTURY OF SOWING SEEDS OF KNOWLEDGE AND CHARACTER IN STUDENTS

Accompanying these compassionate alumni are dedicated teachers. These teachers take the time to verify the students' difficult circumstances, report their academic performance and conduct to benefactors, ensuring transparency in the support and assistance process.

Teachers from Quynh Luu 4 High School visited and presented gifts to students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

PHOTO: PH

Among them, we can mention Ms. Nguyen Thi Ly, who has worked at Quynh Luu 4 High School for 26 years, leading the volunteer group and connecting many former students to support those in difficult circumstances at the school. There is also Ms. Le Thi Hai Yen, also with 26 years of service, who has been involved in many of the school's charitable activities. The teachers shared that what they are most proud of about Quynh Luu 4 High School is that, besides the tradition of studiousness and academic excellence, the students also possess a spirit of solidarity, a strong will to succeed, and mutual support. "We always believe that the journey of educating students doesn't just stop at teaching them knowledge, but also instills in them a sense of responsibility, love for the community, and a pure heart to help those in need around them. Small acts of help can change a person's future," Ms. Hai Yen said.

On November 2nd, 2025, Quynh Luu 4 High School will celebrate its 50th anniversary. Half a century of dedicated service to education has resulted in achievements for this school in a mountainous commune of Nghe An province, not only in its talented and successful students but also in its compassionate hearts.

Mr. Ho Van Thanh, Principal of Quynh Luu 4 High School, said that he is always deeply grateful to the generations of teachers who have silently dedicated themselves, sowing the seeds of knowledge and character for countless generations of students, so that today we have successful individuals and compassionate hearts returning to their alma mater.

"The 'Lighting Up the Future' scholarship fund has profound humanitarian significance. It's not just about sharing material resources, but also about providing spiritual encouragement and inspiring students to be confident and resilient in overcoming difficulties. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the alumni who have always shown their support for the school, contributing to its continued development and upholding its tradition of 'Good Teaching - Good Learning, Compassion - Responsibility' for the past half-century," Mr. Thanh shared.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/ngoi-truong-nghia-tinh-o-nghe-an-185251024195943857.htm