Efforts to overcome difficulties at a school in a mountainous area

20 km away from the center of Phieng Cam commune, Chieng Noi Primary School is located in a particularly difficult highland area of ​​the old Chieng Noi commune, with many shortages of facilities. However, with their dedication, love for the profession and love for their students, the teachers here have strived to overcome difficulties, actively implementing the emulation movement "Teach well, learn well", improving the quality of education in the highlands.

Chieng Noi Primary School has been renovated and modernized.

On the first days of the new school year, we had the opportunity to follow the working group to visit Chieng Noi Primary School after more than a year of the historic flood. Although the road to the school has been paved, it has been eroded and damaged by many floods and landslides. Along with the steep road hanging on one side is a cliff, the other side is a mountain, making it very difficult to get to school.

The students were instructed enthusiastically by the teacher.

Traces of the fierce flood are still imprinted on the walls of the classrooms; the small stream of the village, after a heavy rain, turned into a large flood that eroded deep into the school gate. Welcoming us, teacher Ha Minh Cong, Principal of Chieng Son Primary School, shared: More than a year ago, on July 24, a flash flood occurred in the area, causing heavy damage to people and property. The entire school was submerged under mud; many structures collapsed and were swept away. The rising flood collapsed the school's embankment, water and mud flooded into the hallways and classrooms; desks, chairs, books, and learning equipment were completely damaged. At that time, all teachers were worried because the new school year was near.

Immediately after the flood receded, the school mobilized all teachers and called on parents to join hands in cleaning up; connected and asked for help from organizations, individuals, and philanthropists to support necessary learning materials and equipment to welcome students back to the new school year. Along with that, the teachers were encouraged to stay at school and in class, and went to students' homes to persuade parents to let their children go to class. It took nearly a month for the school to be able to resume operations.

The flood protection embankment project to protect the school was put into use.

Teacher Ha Minh Cong, Principal of the school, shared more: Grasping the actual situation at the school, authorities at all levels, localities, units, businesses, and individuals have supported, contributed many working days, assets, and funds to help the school clean up, purchase equipment, and school supplies; prioritized important items such as repairing classrooms, cafeterias, and boarding areas to welcome students back to school in time for the new school year. Especially from the 500 million VND fund supported by Agribank Vietnam, the school has prioritized investment in building and completing a 200m long solid embankment, overcoming the situation of rising floodwaters causing inundation like the last flood season, ensuring safety for students and school facilities.

Chieng Primary School - Where information technology is applied in teaching.

Entering this new school year, Chieng Noi Primary School has 5 satellite schools and 1 central school with 29 classes, a total of more than 729 students. To ensure conditions for teaching and learning, school staff and teachers prepare enough books and equipment; at the same time, continue to call for social resources to repair degraded classrooms; renovate and assemble rooms to arrange boarding accommodation for students...

The fence project was rebuilt after the 2024 flood.

In addition to gradually overcoming difficulties in facilities, the school also focuses on improving the quality of teaching and learning. Right from the beginning of the school year, the emulation movement "Teach well, learn well" was launched. The school conducted surveys and classified students to have a timely support plan for those with limited academic performance. At the same time, differentiated teaching according to ability was implemented effectively, closely following knowledge and skill standards. Content of moral education , extracurricular activities and life skills training were also integrated into subjects. Thanks to investment in new equipment, the school has introduced technology into teaching such as using large-screen TVs connected to the internet, applying software to support teaching. Thanks to that, students have the opportunity to access a lot of new knowledge outside of textbooks and are more interested in learning.

Boarding meals are guaranteed.

Teacher Cam Thi Xuong, Head of Grade 1, confided: Many children come to class in thin clothes, without enough books, and without anyone to accompany them because their parents work in the fields all day. Being sent to school, teachers are both teachers and relatives, accompanying the children. From homework review time to every meal, teachers must be present with the students to ensure their safety and encourage their spirits.

With nearly 100% of the students being ethnic minority children, teachers have chosen the most understandable methods of imparting knowledge to teach students. For primary school students, the ability to communicate in Mandarin is limited, so teachers in charge of the class use both Vietnamese and Mong and Khmu languages ​​to guide students in reading and writing. Teachers also require students to increase their speaking in Mandarin during class, practice pronunciation, helping them gradually improve and narrow the gap in language barriers.

Phieng Cam commune officials grasp the situation of boarding organization at Chieng Noi Primary School.

Giang A Canh, a student of class 5A1, shared: Because my house is far away, I stay at a boarding school and only go home at the end of the month. Here, the teachers care for me, take care of me, and guide me. In addition to studying the main subjects, I also participate in useful extracurricular activities, which helps me become more confident.

Despite many difficulties, with the spirit, responsibility and attention of all levels and sectors, teachers and students of Chieng Noi Primary School have made efforts to overcome difficulties and achieved many encouraging results. Last school year, the rate of students leaving class reached 100%; the rate of students moving up to the next grade and completing the program reached 100%. In early 2025, the school was recognized as meeting level 1 standards.

These results are proof of the school's teachers and students' efforts to overcome difficulties, all for the sake of educating people. Hopefully, in the near future, the road to the school will be renovated and upgraded, and the facilities will be fully invested. Only then will the teachers' "teaching" work be less difficult, more effective, and meet the expectations of people in remote mountainous areas.

Source: https://baosonla.vn/khoa-giao/no-luc-vuot-kho-o-ngoi-truong-vung-cao-HjnBVTqHg.html