Where literacy becomes a bridge for reintegration into the community.

When school returns to the lives of those who have gone astray.

On a morning in early June in Lai Chau province, at the Provincial Drug Rehabilitation Center, a special class officially commenced – a literacy class for 31 trainees undergoing drug rehabilitation.

This is not just a purely educational activity, but also a practical step to open the door of hope, helping those who have gone astray find light and faith to rebuild their lives.

The literacy class was established based on a humane idea from the Drug Crime Investigation Department of the Lai Chau Provincial Police, in coordination with the San Thang Commune People's Committee and the local Association of Retired Teachers.

This model is designed specifically for students who have never attended school, or who dropped out of school early due to the hardships of making a living in remote villages. Among them are those who have drifted through the dark days of addiction, facing social stigma and being left behind.

What's special is that the class is taught by retired teachers – those who have dedicated decades to education in this remote border region. Without seeking remuneration, these teachers quietly stand in front of the class, patiently guiding each student's handwriting, bestowing love and inspiring a desire to learn.

Nơi con chữ trở thành nhịp cầu tái hòa nhập cộng đồng- Ảnh 1. — The students paid close attention to the lecture.

Ms. VTN (63 years old) was deeply moved when she sat down to study for the first time in her life. "When I was young, my family was poor, and I had to work in the fields to make a living. Then my life spiraled into addiction, drifting aimlessly, seemingly losing all meaning. Being taught by the teachers, learning each letter, made me feel like I was reborn, like I was given a second chance at life," Ms. N. said, her voice choked with emotion, her eyes reflecting a new hope – hoping that one day soon she will be able to write her own name, read documents, and confidently step into life without depending on others.

During that first lesson, Mr. BVP (41 years old) shared his feelings of someone who had once been lost, abandoned by society, and burdened by a heavy sense of guilt. "Now, being back with the blackboard, chalk, books, and receiving encouragement from teachers, police officers, and retired educators, I feel like I've found light after those dark days," Mr. P. recounted emotionally.

For Mr. P., each letter is now not just a source of knowledge, but also a bridge that helps him get back on his feet, overcome his inferiority complex, and reintegrate into the community.

From trembling chalk strokes to the light of life

This small classroom has no list of fame, no grand awards. But shining in the eyes of the students is faith and a desire for a better life. Each stroke of chalk is shaky, each letter crooked, but brimming with determination. It is a silent but powerful journey – where letters become a bridge leading drug addicts out of the darkness, to find the light of life and a chance to start over.

Major Bui Van Tuong, Head of the Lai Chau Provincial Drug Rehabilitation Center, shared: "Through our review, we found that many trainees are illiterate. Based on this reality, the unit reported to the Department's leadership and the Provincial Police Directorate to request approval to open a literacy class. With the agreement of the leadership at all levels, along with the dedicated support of teachers from the local Retired Teachers' Association, today we officially inaugurated the first class. We hope that this class will be maintained and expanded, so that literacy education will not only stop at imparting knowledge, but also inspire confidence and give strength to the trainees on their journey back to their families and society."

Through the seeds of literacy sown in them, students not only learn to read and write but also gradually improve their awareness, confidently access social services, understand their legitimate rights, and proactively break free from the vicious cycle of poverty, backwardness, and relapse. There, police officers and teachers – with all their hearts and responsibility – have been contributing to building bridges of compassion and igniting hope for a better life for those who were once lost.

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