Showing genuine gratitude to teachers

The education sector in general, and many schools in localities such as Ho Chi Minh City, Dak Lak, Da Nang, etc., have issued documents stating that they will not be hosting guests or accepting flowers and gifts to celebrate the 43rd anniversary of Vietnamese Teachers' Day on November 20th.

A lesson between a teacher and students at Cau Giay Secondary School ( Hanoi ). Photo: NTCC.

The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Education and Training (DOET) has just requested all schools to strictly adhere to regulations prohibiting the acceptance of gifts from individuals or organizations; and to minimize the situation where parents and students enter schools with the intention of giving gifts privately.

According to Ho Tan Minh, Chief of the Office of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Education and Training, the above announcement is not new and has been implemented for many school years, aiming for meaningful commemorative activities and avoiding waste. Last week, many schools in Ho Chi Minh City also issued open letters to philanthropists, partners, and parents regarding not accepting congratulatory flowers on Vietnamese Teachers' Day, November 20th.

Phan Van Tri Primary School (Cau Ong Lanh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City) posted an open letter stating that it would not accept flowers or gifts on November 20th. Instead, the school hopes that parents, businesses, and philanthropists will contribute notebooks, sports equipment, and gifts for students to participate in school activities.

Similarly, the Dak Lak Department of Education and Training issued a document emphasizing that "absolutely no instances of exploiting the holiday for gift-giving, causing offense, or putting pressure on parents should occur."

On November 15th, Mr. Nguyen Thai Phong, Principal of Vo Thi Sau Primary School (Hai Chau Ward, Da Nang City), announced that the school had sent an open letter to parents, partners, and affiliated organizations, requesting permission not to accept flowers and gifts on this year's November 20th Teachers' Day. The letter emphasized: "As educators, we are deeply concerned about the difficulties our colleagues face in returning to normal life, and the hardships students in various areas face in attending school. Therefore, the teachers and staff of Vo Thi Sau Primary School have unanimously decided not to accept flowers and gifts on this occasion. The school believes that the gifts sent to flood-affected areas are the most beautiful expressions of gratitude," and the most meaningful gifts teachers can receive on Vietnamese Teachers' Day this year.

In their open letter, the teaching staff collectively requested that parents express their gratitude by sending practical gifts to teachers and students in the central provinces recently affected by storms and floods, through official donation channels.

In fact, in previous school years, many localities announced they would not accept flowers or gifts on November 20th. This year, some schools are introducing this policy for the first time, while many other schools and Departments of Education and Training have a long tradition of doing so. Ms. Vu Bich Duy (Di An ward, Ho Chi Minh City) acknowledges that bouquets of flowers and gifts for teachers on November 20th are a beautiful tradition of our nation, expressing gratitude to teachers. However, many parents, especially those from disadvantaged families with many children, feel pressured by this expense, particularly in large cities. When schools and localities issue this regulation, parents will feel more comfortable, no longer having to choose between maintaining their personal opinion and following the "unspoken agreement" of the class.

The policy of not accepting flowers or gifts not only aims to save costs but also contributes to building a culture of transparency and fairness in schools. Because when teachers don't have to worry about receiving gifts, the learning environment becomes cleaner, reducing the risk of parents "building relationships," "asking for grades," or "requesting preferential treatment" for their children. This helps strengthen public trust in the teaching staff and enhances the image of the education sector.

Dr. Nguyen Tung Lam, Chairman of the Hanoi Educational Psychology Association, believes that not giving flowers or gifts on November 20th does not mean prohibiting parents and students from expressing their feelings and gratitude to teachers. Especially since the custom of giving gifts has become deeply ingrained in East Asian culture, it's not easy to change it immediately. Therefore, clear communication is needed to prevent teachers from being suspected of inappropriate behavior, even if they don't actively receive gifts. "Showing gratitude through sincere appreciation and students' diligent efforts in their studies is the most meaningful way to honor teachers," Dr. Lam emphasized.

Lam Nhi

Source: https://daidoanket.vn/tri-an-thay-co-mot-cach-thuc-chat.html