The principal has a kind heart.

During my 12 years working at Ly Thuong Kiet Primary School (Ea M'droh commune, Dak Lak province ), I was fortunate to work with and learn from many outstanding colleagues. Among them, the person who left the deepest impression on me was Mr. Phan Trong Anh – the school principal. Not only me, but the entire staff, teachers, and students of Ly Thuong Kiet Primary School have always regarded Mr. Trong Anh as a shining example of compassion for generations of students and teachers to emulate.

Paying attention to each student's individual circumstances.

Teacher Trong Anh always believes that each student is a unique individual, with different circumstances and living environments, and therefore has their own advantages and disadvantages. Understanding this, he not only strives to create the best conditions for each student in their studies but also cares about their health and personal lives.

I vividly remember the first time I witnessed the teacher's dedication to his students. One rainy morning, I saw him standing by the school gate, patiently chatting with a young student who was late for school. Instead of reprimanding him, he gently asked the reason. The student shyly and softly replied , "Sir, I walked, and the road was long, so I didn't make it on time." Through the brief conversation, the teacher learned that the boy had to walk to school because his family couldn't afford a bicycle. His father had passed away early, his mother worked far away, and he lived with his elderly maternal grandparents who couldn't take him to school. Sympathizing with the student's situation, the teacher comforted him, "The road to school may be long, but I believe you have the willpower to get there. You're so young, and you're already doing so well! Next time, we can try to leave a little earlier."

Next, the teacher quickly thought of ways to help the little boy. He took the lead in fundraising and directed the school's student council to launch campaigns such as "Saving money in piggy banks" and "Collecting scrap paper" to support students in difficult circumstances. Thanks to the teacher's dedication and warm heart, the boy not only received a new bicycle but also experienced the spirit of mutual support within the school where he was studying.

Thầy hiệu trưởng có tấm lòng nhân ái- Ảnh 1. — Teacher Trong Anh donated bicycles to students.

On another occasion, on the first day of the new school year, the teacher noticed a student didn't have enough books to study. The student only had a few old, tattered books. The teacher approached, offered encouragement, and immediately bought more books and school supplies to help the student focus on their studies.

Furthermore, Mr. Trong Anh also prioritizes the health care of his students. He has repeatedly purchased health insurance for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, helping them receive comprehensive health protection and easing their families' worries about medical expenses if they fall ill. He told me, "Every student has the right to receive adequate care, and I will strive to ensure that no student feels left out."

The teacher's words and actions were always simple, yet they reflected the humanistic values of everyday life. This was a vivid, practical lesson about compassion and humanity that he always wanted to impart to his students and teachers. Teacher Tâm said: "The teaching profession is about being an engineer of the soul. We not only teach academics but also teach students to love, to dream, and to be responsible for themselves, their families, and society."

Develop the strengths of each student.

Teacher Trong Anh not only prioritizes professional expertise but also takes the time to understand and closely monitor each student's development, promptly identifying their strengths and providing the best possible support and opportunities for their growth.

I remember once during a break, a teacher complained about a student's math score. Hearing this, the teacher smiled and gently said to the teacher, "My Tam may not be good at math, but she sings very well. A singer who sings well isn't necessarily good at math. Everyone is born with their own strengths; the important thing is to encourage them to develop their abilities. Never let any student feel inferior because they aren't good at something; instead, help them be confident in their strengths." Then, the teacher encouraged the teacher and students to strive to overcome obstacles and achieve their desired results.

My teacher's words made me realize that education is not just about imparting knowledge, but also about the art of nurturing the soul and developing the unique potential of each student. He regularly directed the various departments and organizations within the school to organize extracurricular activities that helped students interact with each other, showcase their talents, practice life skills, and build confidence in front of crowds.

Thầy hiệu trưởng có tấm lòng nhân ái- Ảnh 2. — School extracurricular activities

Lessons learned from a great teacher.

Mr. Phan Trong Anh, with 50 years of life and nearly 30 years of teaching experience, has quietly sown seeds of love, inspired, and awakened the potential in the hearts of every student, teacher, and staff member at Ly Thuong Kiet Primary School. Every motivational word and practical action of his not only helps students overcome difficulties but also teaches them to love and support each other through life's hardships. It is his dedication and compassion that have illuminated the path of learning and growth for countless generations of students.

When recounting the story of Mr. Trong Anh, I don't want to talk about his achievements, but rather about his compassionate heart, a teacher who is always dedicated to each student and colleague. To me, Mr. Trong Anh is not just a principal, but also a teacher, an older brother, a guide who helps people overcome obstacles in life. I have witnessed many times how he quietly helped those less fortunate. His gentle, warm actions are powerful enough to revive faith in the miracle of compassion – a force that can help many in difficult circumstances overcome their unfortunate fate.

"We are so fortunate to have Mr. Trong Anh as our principal. He has transformed this school into a second home, where every day at work brings us joy and a sense of pride. His admirable way of life will forever be a valuable asset for me, my colleagues, and the generations of students he has guided," shared Ms. Vui, Mr. Trong Anh's colleague.

The 5th "Living Beautifully" writing contest was organized to encourage people to write about noble acts that have helped individuals or communities. This year, the contest focuses on praising individuals or groups who have performed acts of kindness, bringing hope to those in difficult circumstances.

A highlight is the new environmental award category, which honors works that inspire and encourage action for a green and clean living environment. Through this, the organizers hope to raise community awareness in protecting the planet for future generations.

The competition features diverse categories and prize structures, including:

Article categories: Essays, reports, notes, or short stories, not exceeding 1,600 words for essays and 2,500 words for short stories.

Feature articles, reports, and notes:

- 1st prize: 30,000,000 VND

- 2 second prizes: 15,000,000 VND

- 3 third prizes: 10,000,000 VND

- 5 consolation prizes: 3,000,000 VND

Short story:

- 1st prize: 30,000,000 VND

- 1 second prize: 20,000,000 VND

- 2 third prizes: 10,000,000 VND

- 4 consolation prizes: 5,000,000 VND

Photo category: Submit a set of at least 5 photos related to volunteer work or environmental protection, along with the title of the photo set and a short description.

- 1st prize: 10,000,000 VND

- 1 second prize: 5,000,000 VND

- 1 third prize: 3,000,000 VND

- 5 consolation prizes: 2,000,000 VND each

Prize for the Most Popular Song: 5,000,000 VND

Prize for an outstanding essay on the topic of the environment: 5,000,000 VND

Honored Person Award: 30,000,000 VND

The deadline for submitting entries is October 16, 2025. Entries will be judged in a preliminary and final round by a panel of renowned judges. The organizers will announce the winners on the "Living Beautifully" special page. See the detailed rules at thanhnien.vn .

Organizing Committee of the "Living Beautifully" Contest