Welcoming a new school year with the Moon in Tham Pung

07/09/2017

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To the sound of singing children who are not fluent in Kinh language and the applause, laughter and fun of both parents and local officials who were thrilled to come to the new school, many people forgot that the moon had appeared at the mountains. An unforgettable school opening ceremony without drum beat was celebrated at the new school site of Tham Pung, Pu Xi commune, Tuan Giao district, Dien Bien province.

Welcoming the new school year in the joy of Independence day and early Moon Festival of Tham Pung children.

VSF sponsored more than 400 million VND to build this school which helps to reduce the distance of the forest road by 8km when the children go to the center of the commune, equivalent to more than an hour by motorbike. At the pre-construction survey, benefactors and the VSF had a “memorable experience” in harsh weather when it rained and was cold, with muddy roads, rocks which made them stumble and trip and helmets fall into the abyss. Many people just looked at the helmets and shook their heads. A few days earlier, the old Fibro cement roof of the school had blown up and the rain leaked all over the floor. At that time, a pregnant kindergarten teacher named Huan huddled herself up waiting for sunrise to avoid danger. The children also dropped out of class. Without hesitating, VSF decided to bring good materials to construct the school and in late May 2017, the school was inaugurated.

The rough road to Tham Pung

Teachers, students and representative of VSF (3^rd left) preparing for Moon festival.

Teacher Quang Thi Thai and teacher Ca Van Niem who teach kindergarteners and primary students at Tham Pung School, said: "This is the first time we have welcomed the new school year with a large number of parents, students and the school management board who have come to share the joy with us."

During the happy atmosphere of the whole country on the school day and in order to congratulate the children on the Mid-Autumn Festival, the director of VSF sent an affectionate, congratulatory letter and small gifts including candies, star lanterns, pies, moon cakes, books and color pencils to motivate students to study hard and have a bright future. The teachers also received gifts from VSF as thanks for their teaching and dedication to the school and the students.

Mai Trong Thuyet - Deputy Director of Education and Training Department of Tuan Giao district said: "Since the new school was erected, students attend class regularly; dropout rate has therefore reduced significantly; the children eat and sleep moderately and the number of students has increased. Last summer, the new school became a public place for cultural activities for the children. A small thing but it brings a lot of meaning to the community. A new school plays an important role to educate in Tham Pung in particular and Tuan Giao district in general, giving a boost to developing teaching and learning quality.

Teachers and pupils of Tham Pung School paint the picture "Two Leaves" together to send to VSF with appreciation and the wish to have more benefactors who care for children in the highland area.

Below is a series of photos “welcoming new school year” and “early Mid-autumn festival” in Tham Pung.