One evening amidst the mountains of Northwest Vietnam, the sound of reading echoed through the classroom at Tong Lanh Primary School in Thuan Chau district (Son La province). What's special is that the students are elderly men and women of the Thai and Mong ethnic groups, coming from 16 villages and hamlets in the commune...

Comrade Lo Thi Thuy, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Tong Lanh commune, shared: "To maintain the class, we coordinate with the commune's Education Promotion Association to organize the class, and at the same time, we visit families to encourage people to attend. Each student receives a subsidy of 10,000 VND per session and books, notebooks, and pens. Thanks to this, more and more people are attending the class."

Thai language class at the Community Learning Center in Chieng Bom commune, Thuan Chau district (Son La province).

Besides the literacy class in Tong Lanh commune, Thuan Chau district also maintains 7 other literacy classes in the communes of Ban Lam, Thom Mon, Pung Tra, etc., with over 450 students. This is the result of close coordination between the education promotion associations at all levels and the Department of Education and Training of Thuan Chau district in implementing the Program "Promoting lifelong learning in families, clans, communities, and units in the period 2021-2030" according to Decision No. 387/QD-TTg dated March 25, 2022, of the Prime Minister. These classes not only help people become literate but also open up opportunities to access new knowledge, helping to improve their lives and integrate better into the community.

Over the years, the Provincial Association for the Promotion of LearningSon LaIt has become an "extended arm" bringing knowledge to people in villages across the province. Currently, over 81% of families in the province have achieved the title of "Learning Family," 74% of clans have been recognized as "Learning Clans," and 88% of communities have met the standards of "Learning Community." Ms. Mai Thu Huong, President of the Son La Provincial Association for the Promotion of Learning, said: "These figures are not only results but also motivation for the Association to continue expanding the learning movement throughout the province. We not only encourage learning within families but also bring learning to the community, creating a society where everyone has the opportunity to learn and develop."

In 2024 alone, the Son La Provincial Association for the Promotion of Learning mobilized over 31.8 billion VND from organizations and individuals inside and outside the province to award thousands of scholarships, build classrooms, and support people in remote areas to access education. Beyond literacy classes, community learning centers in Son La are also becoming a source of knowledge for the people. With 204 centers spread across communes, wards, and towns, these centers organize courses ranging from farming and animal husbandry skills to the application of technology in daily life. These centers also serve as cultural preservation centers, where ancient stories and folk songs are retold and passed on to the younger generation, thus preserving the cultures of ethnic groups and fostering connections between generations.

Literacy classes for women in Lay village, Tan Xuan commune, Van Ho district (Son La province).

Comrade Mai Thu Huong added that teachingtraditional cultureThese classes not only help children understand their roots but also inspire national pride. When children can speak their grandparents' language, traditional values ​​will be preserved. Importantly, these classes are not only for children but are also open to the elderly and government officials. This is a strategic step in fostering community cohesion and preserving local culture.

In addition, the Son La Provincial Association for the Promotion of Learning has built a "House of Wisdom" model to create a flexible learning space for the people. Here, they can read books, study online, or participate in cultural and sports activities. To date, 112 "Houses of Wisdom" have been put into operation throughout the province, becoming a symbol of the spirit of continuous learning. With the efforts in promoting learning and talent, the light of knowledge has been changing the lives of many people in remote villages. This is not only a source of pride for Son La, but also a valuable lesson about the power of unity and solidarity in the journey of building a learning society.

Source: People's Army Newspaper