Teachers who are skilled at community outreach.

Ms. Mong Hong Hanh (far right) and other teachers arrange and complete recycled toys for the lesson. Photo: BICH THUY

From scrap materials to a "green lesson"

Within the grounds of Ha Tien Kindergarten in Ha Tien Ward, the vibrant play areas and lush green trees all bear the mark of Ms. Mong Hong Hanh, the Deputy Principal in charge of the school. Since 2021, she has initiated the "Making teaching aids and toys from recycled materials" movement, encouraging teachers and parents to participate. "Instead of expensive purchases, I want to utilize plastic bottles, milk cartons, bottle caps, etc., so that teachers can recycle them into toys and learning models. It's both economical and helps children learn in a green and creative environment," Ms. Hanh explained.

Every weekend, parents bring clean plastic bottles, containers, styrofoam, and bottle caps to the school for teachers to creatively transform into learning corners, play areas, and teaching aids. Classes compete in decorating their green spaces, and a model creative corner is selected each month. "Ms. Hanh is always an inspiration, directly working with us to create new toys and sharing ideas with each class," shared Ms. Nguyen Thi Hong Yen, a teacher at the school.

Thanks to this approach, the school saves approximately 60 million VND per year on plastic toy purchases, while simultaneously creating a friendly, welcoming, and creative learning environment. Discarded bottles and jars are now transformed into slides, animals, flowers, and miniature houses, bringing joy to children every day they come to class.

Currently, Ha Tien Kindergarten has 11 classes, 380 children, and 20 teachers. All classes have play areas and learning corners decorated with recycled products, creating a vibrant and friendly learning environment. The school also launches a competition among classes, encouraging teachers to express their creativity in each model and toy, contributing to the further spread of "green lessons."

“What makes me happiest is that the movement has received the support of parents. Every play area, every recycled item contains love and shared responsibility for the children,” Ms. Mong Hong Hanh shared. In the 2024-2025 school year, the school won 1 A prize and 4 B prizes at the ward's creative teaching aids competition, and was recognized as a model of "Effective Public Mobilization" at the provincial level.

Spreading love from the heart of a teacher.

On the day the university entrance exam results were announced, Le Che Thanh, a student in class 12X3 at Giong Rieng High School, trembled with excitement upon seeing his name listed as admitted to the Political Officer Training School with a score of 27.2. In their small house on the edge of the fields in Giong Rieng commune, his mother burst into tears, not only out of happiness but also because she had never dared to imagine her son could ever set foot in a university lecture hall.

Thanh was born into a near-poverty family. Her father suffered from a severe blood tumor, rendering him unable to work, and her mother worked odd jobs to support her two children's education. At times, the burden of providing for the family seemed to shatter Thanh's dream of studying. "I remember when I visited Thanh's house, seeing its small size and empty furnishings, I told myself I had to help her in every way possible so she could continue her studies. I couldn't stand by and watch a talented student drop out of school because of poverty," recalled Mr. Dam Thanh Lac, the principal of Giong Rieng High School.

Thanh's story is just one of hundreds of underprivileged students that Mr. Lac has helped support for over 20 years through his efforts to mobilize teachers, parents, businesses, and successful alumni. Currently, he maintains the "Three Essentials" campaign (enough books, enough health insurance, enough clothes) before the start of the school year, raising an average of 150 million VND per year; the "Circle of Love" campaign during the Lunar New Year, raising approximately 100 million VND per year; and the "Nurturing Dreams Club," which encourages students to save money to "support their peers," awarding 36 scholarships per month, each worth 300,000 VND.

Not only that, during the COVID-19 pandemic, through the "Wireless and Computers for Children" program, he helped poor students receive 2 laptops, 35 phones, and 150 3G SIM cards for online learning. When a student was diagnosed with a serious illness, he organized an emergency fundraising campaign to support their treatment. "We carefully surveyed each case, went to their homes to verify the information, and consulted with local authorities to ensure fairness and that the assistance reached the right recipients. All support is transparent and publicly disclosed. When you do things genuinely and with a sincere heart, parents and benefactors always trust you and are willing to support you," Mr. Lac shared.

Thanks to these practical actions, for many years, the school's dropout rate has remained below 1%, and over 70% of students have achieved good or excellent academic results. Many students who received support have now grown up and returned to support the next generation. Mr. Vo Van Banh, Chairman of the People's Committee of Giong Rieng commune, said: "Teacher Dam Thanh Lac not only helps poor students continue their education but also spreads the spirit of mutual support in the community. This approach contributes to strengthening the bond between the school, parents, and society, clearly demonstrating the responsibility and dedication of the teacher to the cause of education ."

Stories from Ha Tien to Giong Rieng show that when teachers carry out community outreach work with all their hearts, the impact extends beyond students to reach parents and society. Each initiative, each action, however small, contributes to building trust and compassion in today's educational environment.

BICH THUY

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/nhung-nha-giao-kheo-lam-dan-van-a467364.html