The teacher who nurtures and keeps the fire burning in the highlands

I don't know about other places, but for the people of Yen Na commune (formerly Tuong Duong district, Nghe An), every time they mention their village's secondary school, everyone affectionately calls it by its familiar name: Teacher Tho's School.

That simple yet loving name has gone beyond its dry administrative meaning, becoming the proud recognition of the people for a passionate teacher. Thanks to his great contributions and strong mark, the school that used to be the "flood center" of the Western Nghe An has now changed its skin to grow strongly.

Mr. Nguyen Van Tho - Principal of Yen Tinh Secondary School for Ethnic Minorities, Yen Na Commune, Nghe An

PHOTO: PROVIDED BY THE AUTHOR

In 1998, young teacher Nguyen Van Tho began his teaching career with a burning love for the profession. From the very beginning, he was loved by students, trusted by parents, and respected by colleagues. Although he had just graduated, he actively participated in union activities. With persistent efforts, in October 2010, he was appointed Vice Principal of Tuong Duong Ethnic Minority Secondary School and in 2020, he was assigned the important responsibility of Principal of Yen Tinh Ethnic Minority Secondary School.

Taking on the task in the context of a school lacking in all aspects, with makeshift facilities, a high dropout rate, and modest teaching and learning quality, Mr. Tho and the teachers rebuilt trust, aroused solidarity, launched the "Teach well - learn well" movement, and proactively called for support from parents and the government. Thanks to the courage of a Party Secretary, with the responsibility of a leader and an undying love for the profession, after only a few years, the school in the remote area became a national standard unit at level 1 - a proud milestone.

The school campus, which used to be a flood center, has reached national level 1 standards.

PHOTO: PROVIDED BY THE AUTHOR

The reason why people affectionately call "Mr. Tho's school" is not only because of the changes in the school, but also because of the teacher's kindness towards his students. One of the touching stories is the journey he accompanied Linh Chi, a student with eye problems that needed long-term treatment. After receiving information from the homeroom teacher about the illness and the miserable situation of the student's family, Mr. Tho did not mind the long distance, directly contacted information channels and doctors in Vinh City, mobilized benefactors to support the cost, and then personally took her to the hospital. On every step of the journey, he kindly encouraged and motivated Linh Chi to be confident and not give up on her studies. In the eyes of the child, the teacher is not only a teacher, but also a second father.

Not only Chi, Mr. Tho also silently cares for hundreds of other poor students. From the generator, the speaker, thousands of notebooks, textbooks to warm blankets, uniforms... all bear the mark of the teacher's calls, letters, and appeals sent to businesses, organizations, and individuals near and far. Thanks to that, the boarding meals have more green vegetables, the pure white notebooks continue the students' dreams, and the teachers also have less hardship in their daily lives.

Two of the activities calling for support for Mr. Tho's students

PHOTO: PROVIDED BY THE AUTHOR

For him, education does not stop at letters. He always encourages teachers and students to participate in scientific research projects associated with local identity. In particular, the project to preserve the folk performing arts of the Thai people has won first prize at the provincial level in 2023 - 2024 and after that, the traditional musical instrument class was opened with the establishment of the Traditional Musical Instrument Club in the school, contributing to nurturing national pride and igniting the love of culture in the young generation.

He always encourages teachers and students to participate in scientific research projects associated with local identity.

PHOTO: PROVIDED BY THE AUTHOR

To retain students and reduce the dropout rate, Mr. Tho determined that in addition to teaching, he needed to focus on improving the lives and entertainment for the students. From changing the lunch menu, he also continuously organized recreational activities in the school, helping students forget their homesickness and actively study.

Mr. Tho refereed the girls' soccer match.

PHOTO: PROVIDED BY THE AUTHOR

In Yen Na, when asked about Mr. Tho, many students innocently said: "He is like our father, taking care of every meal, sleep, and even bright eyes to read the letters."

Villagers shared simply: "With Mr. Tho, our school is much different from before. It is not only a school, but also a support for the whole village."

In the midst of the difficult mountainous region, the teacher's presence has sown faith and hope in people's hearts. The seemingly small actions - taking a student to get medical treatment, calling for dozens of books, a warm blanket - are the most vivid proof of the spirit of living beautifully, living compassionately, responsibly and spreading love.

For teacher Nguyen Van Tho, the greatest reward is not the certificate of merit, but the clear smiles of his students, the trust of his colleagues, and the simple gratitude of the people in the highlands. And it is from these simple things that a land that used to be a "flood center" is reviving day by day, growing strongly.

The fifth Living Well Writing Contest was held to encourage people to write about noble actions that have helped individuals or communities. This year, the contest focused on praising individuals or groups that have performed acts of kindness, bringing hope to those in difficult circumstances.

The highlight is the new environmental award category, honoring works that inspire and encourage action for a green, clean living environment. Through this, the Organizing Committee hopes to raise public awareness in protecting the planet for future generations.

The contest has diverse categories and prize structure, including:

Article categories: Journalism, reportage, notes or short stories, no more than 1,600 words for articles and 2,500 words for short stories.

Articles, reports, notes:

- 1 first prize: 30,000,000 VND

- 2 second prizes: 15,000,000 VND

- 3 third prizes: 10,000,000 VND

- 5 consolation prizes: 3,000,000 VND

Short story:

- 1 first prize: 30,000,000 VND

- 1 second prize: 20,000,000 VND

- 2 third prizes: 10,000,000 VND

- 4 consolation prizes: 5,000,000 VND

Photo category: Submit a photo series of at least 5 photos related to volunteer activities or environmental protection, along with the name of the photo series and a short description.

- 1 first prize: 10,000,000 VND

- 1 second prize: 5,000,000 VND

- 1 third prize: 3,000,000 VND

- 5 consolation prizes: 2,000,000 VND

Most Popular Prize: 5,000,000 VND

Prize for Excellent Essay on Environmental Topic: 5,000,000 VND

Honored Character Award: 30,000,000 VND

The deadline for submissions is October 16, 2025. The works will be evaluated through the preliminary and final rounds with the participation of a jury of famous names. The organizing committee will announce the list of winners on the "Beautiful Life" page. See detailed rules at thanhnien.vn .

Organizing Committee of the Beautiful Living Contest

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/nguoi-thay-uom-mam-giu-lua-vung-cao-18525091810402327.htm