The second home of poor students
On the evening of September 4, when the lights covered the yard of Muong Khuong Primary and Secondary Boarding School, Cu Van Quang (9th grade) led two children, Cu Thi Duyen (8th grade) and Cu Van Lua (6th grade), to the yard to watch their friends practice arts to prepare for the opening ceremony.
The three H'Mong brothers chatted happily, their eyes could not hide the joy of studying in a new spacious and modern school.
Quang's house is in Gia Khau B village, Muong Khuong commune, about 20km from the school. Since being transferred to study at the new school, geographical distance is no longer a concern for the three brothers as before.
Quang said that his family is classified as a poor household, and his parents often have to work far away. In previous opening ceremonies, being taken to school by his parents to attend the ceremony was almost a distant thing.
This year I am very happy. Being able to study at the new school, I will try to study really well so that I will suffer less later," Quang confided.
Muong Khuong Primary and Secondary Boarding School was started construction in November 2025, with a total investment of 257 billion VND.
The school has a scale of 28 classrooms, serving 980 students who are children of ethnic minorities such as H'Mong, Dao, Tay, Giay, Tu Di...
For students who are used to classes with many shortages, the appearance of a spacious and synchronous school brings a special feeling.
Lu Thi Lien, a 9th grade student, is one of the children in circumstances that teachers pay special attention to. Her parents died early, Lien and 3 younger siblings have had to stay at her uncle's house for a long time.
Previously, Lien studied at Nam Lu Ethnic Minority Boarding Primary and Secondary School. When Muong Khuong Primary and Secondary Boarding School was completed, Lien and her younger brother who was in 7th grade were transferred to study here.
Coming here, I am very surprised. The school is large and modern beyond imagination. My younger brother and I feel extremely lucky," the student with a small body shared.
For Lien, luck is not only in new classrooms or spacious dormitories. This is the second home for her to study in a better environment, to be cared for by teachers, and to live with friends.
In particular, before students officially enter the school year, the school organizes meetings and connections with parents to exchange about the learning environment, boarding activities and how to coordinate between families and schools.
Parents' concerns when their children study and live away from home for the first time are also listened to and answered by teachers.
Those who sow letters before a special milestone
Not only students, but also the teachers at the new school also carry many emotions.
Teacher Hoang Thi Mien, Muong ethnicity, from Phu Tho, spent her 15 years of youth attached to difficult lands such as La Pan Tan, Nam Lu.
Many years of working in the village, she has witnessed many generations of students growing up from classes that were still lacking. Therefore, the day of working in a new school with synchronous facilities is a memorable milestone for her.
Seeing the magnificent school, I clearly realize that this is not only an honor but also a great responsibility. I will continue to try to bring useful knowledge to the children in the highlands," Ms. Mien shared.
15 years of teaching is also 15 years she has witnessed the changes of education in the highlands. From classes that were still difficult, now she and her colleagues are working in a well-invested school where students have better learning and living conditions.
Ms. Mong Thi Duyen - Principal of Muong Khuong Primary and Secondary Boarding School also shared: "The teachers are very excited because they have a new working environment and new conditions. Up to this point, basically we see that everything is good, meeting the conditions for students.
That joy is even more special when the new school is chosen as the central bridge point for the opening ceremony of the 2026 - 2027 school year.
On the evening of September 4, the schoolyard was brightly lit. Art performances were carefully practiced by students. Teachers were busy completing the final tasks.
Young children eagerly await the moment to stand under the national flag and sing the national anthem.
Even more special, the school in the middle of Muong Khuong mountains and forests will be broadcast live to people across the country.
Along with the opening drum sound on the morning of September 5, the dreams of Muong Khuong highland students also began a new journey.
