Where letters become a bridge to reintegrate into the community

After years of addiction and loss, 31 students at Lai Chau Province Drug Rehabilitation Center sat in a special class for the first time - a literacy class. There, each letter opened the door of hope, helping them find the light of life and the desire to start over.

When school returns to the lives of those who have made mistakes

On the morning of early June in Lai Chau , at the provincial Drug Rehabilitation Center, a special class officially opened - a literacy class for 31 students undergoing drug rehabilitation.

This is not only a purelyeducational activity, but also a practical step to open the door of hope, helping people who have made mistakes find light and faith to rebuild their lives.

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

This model is designed specifically for students who have never been to school, or have dropped out of school since childhood due to the hardships of life in remote communes. Among them, there are those who have drifted through the dark days of addiction, being discriminated against and left behind by society.

What is special is that the class is taught by retired teachers - those who have devoted decades to the education cause in this remote area. Regardless of remuneration, the teachers quietly stand in class, patiently holding hands to shape each stroke, giving love and inspiring the desire to learn in each student.

Students pay attention to the lecture.

Mrs. VTN (63 years old) was moved to tears when she sat down to study for the first time in her life. "When I was young, my family was poor, so I had to work in the fields to make a living. Then my life fell into addiction, drifting forever, and I thought it had lost its meaning. Having teachers hold my hand and teach me each letter made me feel like I was reborn, like I was starting my life over again," Mrs. N. choked up, her eyes filled with new hope - hoping that one day soon I would be able to write my name, read documents, and confidently step into life without depending on others.

Also in that first class, Mr. BVP (41 years old) shared the feelings of a person who had lost his way, was turned away by society and had a heavy burden of inferiority. "Now, when I return to the blackboard, white chalk, books, and receive encouragement from teachers, police officers and former teachers, I feel like I have found light after dark days," Mr. P. emotionally recounted.

For Mr. P., each letter now is not only knowledge, but also a bridge to help him stand up, overcome his inferiority complex and reintegrate into the community.

From shaky chalk lines to the light of life

This small class has no honor roll, no great rewards. But shining in the eyes of the students is the belief and desire to change their lives. Each stroke of chalk still shakes, each letter is still crooked, but full of determination. It is a silent but powerful journey - where letters become a bridge to help drug addicts escape the darkness, find the light of life and the opportunity to start over.

Major Bui Van Tuong, Head of Lai Chau Province Drug Rehabilitation Center, shared: "After reviewing, we found that many students are still illiterate. Based on that reality, the unit reported to the leaders of the Department and the Provincial Police Department to request permission to open a literacy class. With the consensus of leaders at all levels, along with the enthusiastic support of teachers in the local Association of Former Teachers, today we officially opened the first class. We hope that this class will be maintained and expanded, so that literacy is not only about imparting knowledge, but also inspiring confidence and giving students more strength on their journey back to their families and society."

Through the seeds of letters, students not only learn to read and write, but also gradually raise their awareness, confidently access social services, understand their legitimate rights and proactively escape the vicious cycle of poverty, backwardness and drug addiction. There, police officers and teachers - with all their heart and responsibility - have been contributing to building a bridge of humanity, lighting up the hope of changing the lives of those who have lost their way.

Source: https://phunuvietnam.vn/thap-sang-hy-vong-tu-lop-hoc-xoa-mu-chu-noi-con-chu-tro-thanh-nhip-cau-tai-hoa-nhap-cong-dong-20250604144300513.htm