Behind the photo of an 8-year-old boy's hand in the highlands that moved millions of people

(Dan Tri) - Few people know that behind the image of the dark, chapped hands of an 8-year-old boy in the highlands of Son La is a story that touches millions of hearts.

In the past few hours, the image of the small, dark, chapped hands of an 8-year-old boy in the mountainous region of Son La has caused strong emotions. Few people know that behind that viral image is a special situation, a strong will and a love of learning.

The photo was posted with the title: "The hands of an 8-year-old boy, having to catch crabs and fish for his family but he still goes to school diligently."

In just a short time of posting, the image attracted more than 1.1 million views, thousands of emotional comments and shares.

The person who posted the photo is Ms. Lo Thi Nhung, a teacher of class 3A8, Muong Chien school, Ngoc Chien Primary School, Muong Lai commune, Son La province.

The image of A Dao's hand moved many people (Photo: NVCC).

Sharing with Dan Tri reporter, Ms. Nhung could not hide her emotions when talking about her student Mua A Dao, the main character in the photo that moved millions of people.

Ms. Nhung said that A Dao's house is about 4km from the school. Her family's situation is extremely difficult as her father - Mr. Mua A Vang - has completely lost the ability to work, while her mother has not been home for the past two years.

A Dao has four siblings. His older sister is in 7th grade but often skips school because she has to stay home to herd buffalo and earn a living. His older brother is in 5th grade, is disabled and often skips school because his family is too poor.

“Every day after school, A Dao had to catch crabs and fish for her family. Some days on her way home from school, she stopped by ponds and streams to look for food. Many times, she wore wet clothes to class. I instructed Dao to change into new clothes before going to school,” Ms. Nhung shared.

Talking about A Dao’s journey to school, Ms. Nhung said that at the beginning of the year, he often skipped school. However, with perseverance, she went to his house to persuade him to return to school.

“During the recent cold spell, Dao also missed a few days because it was too cold. I asked for old clothes and books from school and bought her a new pair of sandals. Although Dao learned more slowly than her friends, the teacher and student encouraged each other and she continued to come to class,” Ms. Nhung shared.

A Dao is encouraged by teacher Nhung and the school every day to go to class (Photo: NVCC).

The teacher also emotionally said that A Dao often had to bring white rice to school, with meals consisting of only a few vegetables and pickled bamboo shoots from the forest. On lucky days, her meals would have an egg.

"There was a day when Dao went home after school in the morning and didn't come to school in the afternoon. I asked her friends and found out that she didn't bring lunch so she skipped school," the homeroom teacher added.

After the photo of A Dao's hands was posted, the boy received initial attention and support from the community, such as school bags and clothes.

Ms. Nhung said that the class has more than 30 students, of which 2/3 are ethnic minority children with many difficulties. Dao is not the only difficult case.

“Most of the children live with their grandparents because their parents work far away or are subject to legal policies. There were days when I had to make noodles for Dao or some students because they forgot to bring lunch,” Ms. Nhung revealed about the reality at the school.

Although learning is slow, A Dao still tries to go to school (Photo: NVCC).

Talking about common difficulties, Ms. Le Thu Ha, Vice Principal of Ngoc Chien Primary School, said that Muong Chien school is one of 11 schools of the school.

Of the school’s more than 1,000 students, about 98% are ethnic minority children, living in very difficult circumstances. Many are orphans, some have to live with grandparents or relatives. Some students, like A Dao, become the breadwinners of their families and go to work at a very young age.

According to Ms. Ha, due to economic difficulties, students often drop out of school. Teachers also have to share their food and clothes with students outside of class hours, and at the same time encourage and support students to attend school regularly.

"In the past, the school has received support from philanthropists, but there are still many students in difficult circumstances. They are having to work hard every day to find their way to school," said Vice Principal Le Thu Ha.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/giao-duc/phia-sau-buc-anh-ban-tay-cau-be-8-tuoi-o-vung-cao-khien-trieu-nguoi-lay-dong-20251204124342301.htm