Tran Island has a particularly important position in national security and defense in the Northeast region of the country. The island is the farthest from the mainland in Quang Ninh province, about 45 km northeast of Co To district.
Dao Tran is one of four villages in Thanh Lan commune, Co To district. On the island, there is a Tran Island Inter-level branch belonging to Thanh Lan Primary School.
The branch has 7 students, 2 preschoolers, 2 students in multigrade classes 2+3, 3 students in multigrade classes 4+5.
In the 2024 - 2025 school year, Ms. Pham Thu Huong, born in 1983, a teacher at Thanh Lan Primary School, wrote a volunteer application to go to Tran Island to work. She was assigned to teach a 4+5 multigrade class.
These days, teacher Huong is preparing lesson plans and necessary materials for teaching at the new school.
Sharing about her decision, Ms. Huong confided: "Going to Tran Island to work is the responsibility and job of every school teacher. Previously, even though conditions on the island were still difficult, there was no electricity. Facilities are lacking, many teachers have volunteered to teach... Now, when the island has electricity and the infrastructure has improved significantly, working here has become easier For me, the only thing I have to adapt to is being away from my family for a while, but luckily my children have grown up and understand my mother's job."
"I recently bought a new laptop to bring to the island to prepare lessons and support teaching, with students learning online in English and Information Technology. Previously, I only taught classes with students. of the same age and level, so teaching multi-level classes is a bit confusing. I asked for experience from previous colleagues and learned that the students on the island are quite shy. However, given the class size With only 3 students, I will have more time to care for and guide each student, helping them be more confident and proactive in learning" - Ms. Huong said.
Although it is only about 45km from Co To island district, traveling to Tran island is not always possible, because it depends on the weather and waves. Renting a boat to Tran Island is also expensive, costing about 7.5 million VND for both going and returning.
Tran Island inter-level branch is 1 of 3 schools of Thanh Lan Primary School. Elementary school teachers will teach all subjects from physical education, fine arts to vocal music.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Hien - Principal of Thanh Lan Primary School - said: "The assignment of teachers to Tran Island to work is done on a rotating basis every year, based on the volunteer spirit of the teachers. In addition to the regimes, Like at the main school, teachers on Tran Island will receive additional allowances for multi-class teaching and outdoor teaching. Co To district also supports a boat trip each month for teachers to visit their families Support of 3 million VND/year for transportation. Facilities at the branch are quite complete with air conditioning and water heater, ensuring good living conditions for teachers."
"The teachers who go to Tran Island to work are all volunteers, determined to complete their tasks well. These are all teachers with good ethics" - Ms. Hien added.
Every day, on the remote shores of Tran Island, words are planted not only by the love of the profession but also by the silent sacrifice and dedication of the teachers. From those efforts, future generations will be equipped with knowledge and a strong spirit, contributing to building and protecting the homeland and islands of the Fatherland.
