Students of the Mo literacy class, Chieng Khuong commune, Song Ma district. Photo: Song Ma

At 7 p.m., even though it is dinner time after a hard day in the fields, flashlights and motorbike lights still shine toward the classroom at Chieng Xom school, Chieng Cang commune, Song Ma district. This literacy class has up to 90 students, all of whom are Thai ethnic people.

In the class, the oldest student was 60, the youngest was nearly 20, some were grandparents, but this was the first time they had learned to read and write.

Over the course of more than 7 months, students will be taught basic skills in listening, speaking, reading, writing and some calculations in the primary school textbook program.

The teaching staff here not only have teaching experience but also understand the customs and traditions, know the local language, are always enthusiastic and responsible in their work. Their dedication helps students overcome their initial fears, thereby opening their hearts to receive knowledge.

Ms. Tong Thi Phieu, in Chieng Xom village, shared: “At first, I was quite hesitant to go to school because of my old age, but learning to read and write made me happy. Knowing how to read and write helps me become more confident and knowledgeable to improve my life.”

For Ms. Phieu and many other students, learning to read and write is the way for them to broaden their knowledge and integrate into the community, the first step for them to learn how to read, write, and calculate to serve life.

Ms. Ca Thi Kien, also from Chieng Xom village, is excited about what she has learned: “Now in the village, many people can read and write. If I don’t know how to read and write, I will be very backward. Knowing how to read and write, I will sell Northwest specialties on Facebook to earn more income.” For Ms. Kien, learning to read and write is not only a way to develop herself but also an opportunity for economic development, helping her family earn more income.

Opening of the Literacy Eradication class in Chieng Cang commune, Song Ma district. Photo: Song Ma

Mr. Leo Van Duyen, a teacher at Chieng Cang Primary School and the person who directly taught the class, shared: “At first, due to fear and self-consciousness, people were not bold enough to come to class. Gradually, one person invited another, and when they were exposed to letters, they became very excited, and the class became more and more crowded. We always encouraged and provided the easiest knowledge for people to get used to.”

It was Mr. Duyen's perseverance and understanding that helped the class become more connected, creating confidence for the students in their journey to conquer letters.

The class not only provides knowledge but also connects the community. Each class is an opportunity for everyone to share and help each other. Daily stories and business experiences are exchanged enthusiastically, creating an exciting learning atmosphere.

Literacy classes in the Song Ma border area are not only a place to impart knowledge and help people become more knowledgeable, but also open up new opportunities, light up people's determination to overcome difficulties, master literacy, gradually improve the quality of life, and contribute to hunger eradication and poverty reduction.

This is a slow but meaningful journey, helping to penetrate and take root culture and knowledge in remote places of the Fatherland, where each letter and each number carries many dreams and beliefs.

According to: thanhtra.com.vn