Parents 'restless' on the sidewalk waiting for their children to take high school graduation exams

Under the harsh summer sun, every gaze watching, every silent handshake... hundreds of parents in Da Nang still sit and wait outside the school gate, not leaving, some have asked for leave from work to silently support their children to 'pass the gate of heaven'.

"Sit here and wait for peace of mind…"

On the morning of June 26, more than 14,000 candidates in Da Nang City officially entered the 2025 high school graduation exam. From early morning, many parents took their children to the exam site at Phan Chau Trinh High School (Hai Chau District). After the candidates entered the exam room, many parents sat on the sidewalk, waiting for their children in the sun. Many people put aside their work and worries about making a living, just to be with their children on the day of "passing the gate".

From early morning on June 26, many parents took their children to the exam site.

PHOTO: HUY DAT

Sitting on the sidewalk of Phan Chau Trinh Street, Ms. Dinh Thi Cam (residing in Hai Chau District) said she took 2 days off work to take her son to the exam site. "I have witnessed my son studying hard for months, now just being here, waiting for him to finish the exam and hug him makes me feel at ease. I don't care about the results, as long as he tried his best," Ms. Cam emotionally shared.

According to Thanh Nien reporters, from 7:30 a.m. on June 26, candidates began taking the first exam. Outside the exam site, police were on duty.

PHOTO: HUY DAT

Like Ms. Cam, Mr. Ho Cong Hiep also took advantage of his work to take his son, a student at Phan Chau Trinh High School, to the exam site very early. "My parents were probably more worried than my children when they went to take the exam. Standing outside the school, my heart was pounding," Mr. Hiep said.

After the candidates took the first exam of the 2025 high school graduation exam, the 120-minute literature exam, many parents were still waiting in the sun for their children. Among them was Ms. Ngo Thi May (residing in Thanh Khe District), who is currently working as a garment worker and had to take time off work to take her child to the exam. "My husband and I had prepared a schedule in advance, taking turns taking our child to the exam for peace of mind. I think sitting outside and waiting is also a way for me to boost my child's spirit," Ms. May said.

Parents "restless" waiting for their children

PHOTO: HUY DAT

Under the harsh summer sun, hundreds of parents in Da Nang still sit outside the school gate waiting for their children, not leaving.

PHOTO: HUY DAT

"Support" from young people

While waiting for the students to take the exam, parents shared stories of everyday life as a way to relieve stress. Some brought folding chairs and cool drinks; others took the opportunity to hold in their hands a copy of Thanh Nien newspaper, a small but meaningful gift distributed by Thanh Nien newspaper this morning.

After taking their children to the exam site, many parents choose to stay and sit outside waiting for their children.

PHOTO: HUY DAT

Mr. Pham Hao Phong (Hai Chau District) nervously sat outside the school gate with a newspaper in his hand, occasionally looking up at the exam room. "My eldest son is taking the exam today, I can't rest assured to go home, so I have to sit here reading the newspaper, both to ease my anxiety and to pray for my son's success in the exam," said Mr. Phong.

Not only parents, students and volunteers (from Hai Chau District Youth Union) contributed significantly to creating a positive atmosphere and encouraging the students' spirit.

From 5am, Dai Thanh (grade 11/18, Phan Chau Trinh High School) was present at the exam site to participate in the "Exam Support" program. Thanh and his friends prepared drinking water, pens, hand fans... to support the candidates and their parents.

"This year, in addition to distributing tools, we also distribute Thanh Nien Newspaper so that the teachers have something to read and feel less anxious while waiting for their children to take exams," Thanh shared.

Student Dai Thanh (grade 11/18, Phan Chau Trinh High School) gives Thanh Nien Newspaper to parents waiting for their children.

PHOTO: HUY DAT

Along with that, the youth union members of Hai Chau district also helped to direct traffic, guide candidates into the exam room, and ensure security and order outside the exam site.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/phu-huynh-dung-ngoi-khong-yen-o-via-he-cho-con-thi-tot-nghiep-thpt-185250626084719965.htm