Where childhood dreams take root.

Amidst the vast ocean, where waves crash relentlessly day and night, lies a special classroom – a classroom where the young sprouts of Truong Sa are being nurtured with knowledge. It's a small classroom on Sinh Ton Island, where teachers and students together overcome the storms, sowing knowledge, hope, and faith in the future of the nation.

Teacher Nguyen Quang Tuan and his students

In May of this year, a delegation from Lam Dong province had the opportunity to visit the teachers and students of Sinh Ton Primary School, located in Truong Sa island district, Khanh Hoa province. Witnessing the spacious and sturdy facilities, the colorful and vibrant classrooms, and the complete range of equipment comparable to those on the mainland, everyone was deeply moved. The government's investment not only demonstrates its profound concern for the future generation of the country but also serves as a strong affirmation of our sacred sovereignty over the sea and islands. The students here are all taught according to the standard curriculum as on the mainland, ensuring a solid foundation for their future.

Amidst the turbulent waves of the open sea, Mr. Nguyen Quang Tuan (57 years old) is a remarkable teacher. He volunteered to leave the mainland to serve the children here. This decision was not only a commitment but also the realization of a dream he cherished since his youth – bringing the light of knowledge to the children on this remote island. Mr. Tuan shared: "My dream of going to Truong Sa (Spratly Islands) was a dream I had since I was young, but due to family responsibilities, I had to study education. After graduating, I got married and had children, so I couldn't fulfill my dream. Two years ago, seeing that my children were settled, I boldly applied to volunteer to work on the island and was assigned to teach here."

"Survival" - two words with profound meaning, both the name of the nation's frontier island and a reminder of the indomitable will and fierce resilience of life in the face of harsh conditions. Teacher Tuan's work on the island is not only about teaching but also about instilling in the children a love for the sea and islands, and an awareness of the sacred sovereignty of the nation. He is a father, a grandfather, a friend, caring for and educating them from the smallest things, from how to hold a pen and write their first letters, to how to live and how to be a good person.

What makes the class on the island special is that Mr. Tuan teaches students from preschool to 5th grade, all in one class. He needs boundless love, compassion, and tolerance to manage the diverse psychological needs of the children. "Teaching on the island is not easy at all. Although the class size isn't large, it consists of students of different ages. Each student is in a different class. So, even with few students, it's very demanding. I have to correct their behavior, posture, and behavior. Besides that, it also requires immense patience to harmonize the psychological and physiological development of each child according to their age, and to instill discipline in them," Mr. Tuan confided.

Despite receiving investment and attention, the children in Truong Sa still lack the full range of learning tools and childhood games available on the mainland. Therefore, outside of class, the teachers focus on teaching them folk games and songs about childhood, homeland, country, soldiers, the sea, and the islands. Perhaps this is why their love for their teachers and school grows stronger, nurturing a love for their homeland in the young generation of Truong Sa.

Overcoming all difficulties, Mr. Tuan not only taught literacy but also comforted the children; even the youngest, only 2 years old, was sent to his class for him to care for. His loving heart, meticulous care, and genuine affection have become a great support not only for the children but also for their parents here.

Visiting this special classroom, Mr. Tran Duc Loi, Deputy Director of the Department of Education and Training of Lam Dong province, expressed his joy and excitement that education on this remote island is receiving comprehensive investment. All basic equipment is available, from textbooks to curricula that comply with the regulations and guidelines of the education sector. The classroom is well-equipped and constructed, with a basic play area and space for teachers and students to relax and socialize.

Witnessing the bond between teacher and students here, we, who come from the mainland, can't help but admire it. Teacher Tuan's love for his profession and his love for the sea and islands have become a great source of inspiration not only for those in education but also in many other fields. Teacher Tuan said that currently, only the primary school program is implemented on the island; after completing primary school, the children will be sent to the mainland to pursue higher education.

The classroom on Sinh Ton Island is not only a place to impart knowledge but also a place to sow hope, a place to nurture the beautiful dreams of the children on this remote island.

Source: https://baolamdong.vn/xa-hoi/202506/noi-uoc-mo-tuoi-tho-neo-dau-6604591/