In her early years teaching at the remote Suoi Nhung hamlet school, Ms. Hien was simultaneously in charge of both first and fourth grade. The road from her home to school was a red dirt road, over 20km long, bumpy, muddy in the rainy season, and dusty in the dry season. On some days, the stream rose high, forcing her to take a detour, but the young teacher never faltered.
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| Teacher Nong Thi Thu Hien guides students in doing their exercises. |
Ms. Hien shared: “Most of the students here are children of the S'tieng, Khmer, and Hoa ethnic minorities; their lives are still very difficult. During the cashew harvest season, many children follow their parents to the fields, missing school for extended periods. Therefore, I have to go to each house to persuade and explain to the parents that literacy is the most sustainable path to escaping poverty. If it doesn't work the first time, I try again and again, helping them gradually understand and agree, creating conditions for the children to return to school regularly and not drop out.”
Having dedicated herself to the school, Ms. Hien understands the circumstances of each student. She felt sorry for Dieu Khang, a poor student whose meals consisted only of vegetables and who often went down to the stream to catch fish and snakes for food. She secretly sent money to the general store so he could have rice and food; every week she would bring him fish and meat to help him out. For Lam Thi Tuyet Hang (of the Hoa ethnic group), who was overage and academically weak, she patiently tutored her throughout the Covid-19 pandemic to help her catch up with the curriculum. When Thach Tan Dung (of the Khmer ethnic group) was injured in a firework accident, seeing his family's difficulties and lack of health insurance, Ms. Hien paid for his hospital bills and insurance so he could continue attending school. For her, keeping a student in the same grade means preserving a future.
Not only dedicated to her teaching duties, teacher Nong Thi Thu Hien also excels in her role as Secretary of the Youth Union at Tan Hung Primary and Secondary School, actively advising and organizing many practical activities such as: "Youth Volunteers," "Supporting Students to School," "Green Sunday," etc., linking Youth Union activities with educational tasks, creating a healthy learning environment for students, especially ethnic minority students. As a member of the Party Committee of Tan Hung Primary and Secondary School, Ms. Hien is always exemplary in her work, actively participating in drafting resolutions and effectively implementing assigned tasks; contributing to improving the quality of Party branch activities and building a united and strong team.
With a sense of responsibility, dedication, and tireless effort, for many years, teacher Nong Thi Thu Hien has been awarded the title of Excellent Teacher at the provincial level, Emulation Soldier at the grassroots level, and numerous other awards from various levels and sectors.
Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/phong-su-dieu-tra/phong-su/tan-tam-voi-hoc-sinh-ngheo-1043337
