Special opening ceremony in the middle of the jungle, where only 34 students sit and study with their backs to each other

On the morning of September 5, along with the whole country, 34 students from Phu Gia Primary School, most of whom are ethnic minorities, attended the opening ceremony in pure white uniforms. Despite the lack of everything, the ceremony was still solemn and cozy, with all the rituals of the national festival of taking children to school.

Teachers and students of Phu Gia Primary School in Phu Lam village at the opening ceremony this morning. Photo: Dau Tinh

Mr. Le Anh Duong, Principal of Phu Gia Primary School, said that this school year the school welcomes 34 students, including 6 first graders; 2 second graders; 8 third graders and 18 fourth and fifth graders. Most of the children are raised by their grandparents because their parents work far away.

This morning, early, the children were taken by their grandparents to attend the opening ceremony in excitement after a long summer vacation.

The opening ceremony in a joyful and cozy atmosphere. Photo: Dau Tinh

Although there were no colorful flags or stage set up, all 34 students attended the opening ceremony in their pure white uniforms. The opening ceremony took place solemnly, joyfully, and warmly, with all the rituals like a real festival for teachers and students in the highlands.

Special combined class

In the new school year, the school has 3 teachers stationed in the remote areas. To ensure learning, the school organizes 2 combined classes (grades 1-2, grades 4-5) and a separate grade 3 class.

34 students attended the opening ceremony in pure white uniforms.

“Each class has two blackboards placed at the two ends, students sit with their backs to each other. A teacher has to teach two programs at the same time, guiding the older class to do exercises while teaching the younger class to spell and read,” Mr. Duong shared.

Not only do teachers have to work hard in teaching, they also have to prepare twice as much. For each lesson, teachers prepare two lesson plans and arrange “cross-subject” hours, such as when grade 2 learns Math, grade 1 learns Vietnamese, so that both grades can absorb the material well.

Mr. Tran Dinh Chung, head teacher of the combined class 4-5, who has volunteered to stay in the village for many years, said that the biggest difficulty is transportation: “From the commune center to the school is nearly 20 km of forest road, gravel, and winding steep passes. In the rainy season, transportation is almost impossible.”

Special combined classroom at the school in Phu Lam village. Photo: Dau Tinh

According to Mr. Chung, combined classes are disadvantageous for students and difficult for teachers. But the valuable thing is that the students all come to school voluntarily and do not skip classes.

"We just need to focus on teaching, making sure each lesson is of quality," he said.

Although it is only a small school with 34 students, each student has the desire to learn, hopes to change their future, and become the trust of their family and village.

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/khai-giang-dac-biet-giua-dai-ngan-noi-chi-co-34-em-ngoi-hoc-dua-lung-vao-nhau-2439492.html