As the only island commune in Gia Lai province , located about 24 km from the mainland, the journey to literacy for students on Nhon Chau island is fraught with difficulties.
Crossing the sea to get to school.
Currently, the education system on the island only goes up to the lower secondary level. Therefore, after completing grade 9, if students want to continue their education, they are forced to leave their families and cross the sea to the mainland. At the age of 15, still unfamiliar with the worries of life, they have to become independent and live far from their parents' embrace.
The 24 km sea distance, while not far, is a major obstacle, especially economically, as students traveling inland still have to worry about accommodation, food, and living expenses.
Students in Nhon Chau island commune receive financial support from the local authorities to continue their studies.
PHOTO: DUC NHAT
Mr. Nguyen Van Nhat (44 years old, Tay village, Nhon Chau commune) said that in the past, most people on the island only completed grade 9 and then stopped. Geographical isolation interrupted the education of many. Students who met the requirements to continue their studies on the mainland faced the pressure of making ends meet. Because of the high costs, many families had to let their children drop out of school to help with the family's fishing business.
Mr. Nhat's family has two children, one of whom is currently in 11th grade on the mainland. He recounted that when his child left the island, his biggest worry wasn't their studies, but whether their living expenses and living costs would be covered.
Local government provides financial support.
Over the past few years, understanding the aforementioned difficulties and shortages, the local authorities have passed a resolution to support and assist students in Nhon Chau island commune so they can go further in their studies. Accordingly, each student will receive financial support for food, accommodation, living expenses, and transportation when crossing the sea to the mainland to attend higher education levels.
"From the moment she entered high school, she had to learn to be independent. Sometimes she wouldn't come home for several months, or even an entire semester. At first, the family was very worried, but thanks to the support policy, she receives about 1.1 million VND per month, which eases the burden somewhat. The support level is about to increase, and the family is very excited," Mr. Nguyen Van Nhat shared.
Vo Thuan Thao, a student in class 11A1 at Tran Cao Van No. 1 High School, said that she has four sisters and her father recently passed away after a long illness. Her mother works as a housewife and helps with fishing to support her children.
When Thảo left the island to attend 10th grade, she carried not only luggage but also a lot of worries. She had to adapt to a new environment, manage her finances, and motivate herself to keep trying. "The financial support helps ease the burden. I will try my best to study well to get into a teacher training program, and later return to help my mother and my hometown," Thảo confided.
Timely support policies have yielded clear results. According to Mr. Duong Hiep Hung, Chairman of the People's Committee of Nhon Chau commune, the percentage of students continuing their education at the high school level has increased significantly. While only 11 students were expected to go to the mainland for their studies in the 2024-2025 school year, currently the entire commune has 62 students attending high school, not including many who are pursuing careers such as pharmacy, midwifery, food processing technology, and refrigeration.
Nhon Chau island commune is located 24 km from the mainland.
Photo: Duc Nhat
At the second session of the Gia Lai Provincial People's Council, 13th term (2026-2031), a resolution supporting high school and university students in Nhon Chau island commune was passed. Accordingly, starting from the 2026-2027 school year, each high school student will receive over 1.6 million VND per month, including 936,000 VND for food, 360,000 VND for accommodation, and 350,000 VND for study and transportation expenses. For vocational students, the province will cover 100% of tuition fees along with a policy scholarship equivalent to 80% of the basic salary. The total estimated budget is over 1.4 billion VND per year.
Not only from the state budget, but schools on the mainland also proactively provide support. Mr. Le Van Dung, Principal of Tran Cao Van No. 1 High School, said that the school regularly mobilizes teachers and philanthropists to join hands in helping and creating conditions for students in the island commune to study with peace of mind.
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/tiep-suc-hoc-sinh-xa-dao-den-truong-185260510190133626.htm
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