Falling in love with the "zero" school
Born and raised in Cao Lanh City, Dong Thap Province, Mr. Nguyen Quoc Phu has been rooted in Phu Quoc Island for the past 31 years.
Mr. Phu said that on a chance occasion when he visited Phu Quoc with his family, seeing that there were still many shortages here, especially in education, Mr. Phu pondered and wanted to use what he had learned to pass on to the next generation on the island.
So since 1993, Mr. Phu decided to volunteer to go to the island to teach at the separate location of Ham Ninh Primary and Secondary School (now separated into Bai Bon Primary and Secondary School, Ham Ninh Commune, Phu Quoc City) until now.
Recalling the memories of the difficult early days, Mr. Phu confided: At that time, Bai Bon seemed to be at zero because there was almost no material equipment.
“There is no electricity, no road. Teachers here mainly go to school by boat or canoe. It takes a day to travel from the remote location to the main location. The remote location only has 2 classrooms, or more precisely, 1 room divided into 2 walls, teaching 5 classes,” said Mr. Phu.
Facing many difficulties, Mr. Phu did not give up and was determined to stick with this remote school with all his enthusiasm for the profession and love for his students.
“Usually, people choose to live in places with convenient transportation, otherwise they leave, but I chose to stay. Not only did I stay, but I also encouraged other teachers, local people and students to stay and study, together believing that one day Phu Quoc will develop well and prosper,” Mr. Phu added.
Dedicated, close, loving, responsible
Not only does he devote himself to teaching and carefully prepare for lessons to make them more lively, he also follows his students closely and learns about the circumstances of disadvantaged students. Sometimes he helps them with books, clothes, and school supplies to go to school, and sometimes he encourages them to be more confident in their studies.
As Chairman of the grassroots Trade Union, he is always enthusiastic in all movements launched by the school and the industry, caring for and encouraging colleagues in difficulty, so that they can work with peace of mind.
Mr. Phu is also always at the forefront of socialized education movements, coordinating with the school board to gradually build a school that meets national standards. As for his colleagues, Mr. Phu is a teacher full of love and responsibility.
Mr. Le Hong Hieu - teacher at Bai Bon Primary and Secondary School - said: "Mr. Phu has the determination to overcome difficulties that not everyone can do. His determination is a shining example for young teachers to learn and follow."
Talking about her devoted and devoted colleague, Ms. Luu Thi Tan - Vice Principal of Bai Bon Primary and Secondary School - shared: "In the early days, there were no facilities, few classrooms, few students, and there was a shortage, so many students skipped school. Not giving up, Mr. Phu went to each house to encourage students to go to school, stay in school, stay in class, and accompany the school. Mr. Phu is not only loved by everyone but is also a shining example for his colleagues to learn from because of his very valuable and respected qualities."
Up to now, Phu Quoc City has grown and changed a lot. The roads from the city center to remote areas on the island are being improved day by day, and schools are being invested in and built spaciously. Teacher Phu is still moved when remembering the image of a remote school, more than 30km from the city center, not only difficult to travel, muddy, red soil, no national grid electricity but almost everything is difficult and lacking. However, it is these difficulties that have motivated teachers to strive harder every day to volunteer to stay at school and bring letters to many generations of students.
