If we say that Mr. Le Huu Ngo has devoted his entire youth to children, it would still be an omission. Because, in 31 years of work, there has never been a moment when he stopped taking care of his beloved students. Therefore, until now, when he has become a grandfather in the family, when his hair has turned gray, he is still devoted and meticulous in taking care of the children, from the way he ties the red scarf, to the folds of his shirt that are not yet smooth... For 31 years, children through many generations have called him brother, father, and now grandfather, but he is still diligent like that, the image of a respectable teacher, even though he is tired, his voice is no longer clear, his steps are no longer quick...
Teacher Ngo started working at the Viet Duc Children's Cultural House in 1992, after working at the Vinh City Youth Union, and took on the task of establishing the ceremonial team. This job has been with him ever since. The ceremonial team seems to be the "soul" of rallies, congresses and many other important conferences. The lack of a ceremonial team will somewhat reduce the majesty and grandeur of a celebratory event. Therefore, the students participating in this team must be selected to meet the requirements of a uniform, healthy physique, bright faces, and practice movements that are precise, decisive and aesthetically pleasing. To achieve this, the great credit belongs to the teacher in charge who must be dedicated to creating sources, discovering and developing typical factors.
“At first, when recruiting students, I had to find children who were truly passionate about this activity. Only when they were passionate and loved it could they join the ceremonial team,” said Mr. Ngo. According to him, there were children who did not like it at first, and went to drum and trumpet lessons with very thoughtful eyes and faces. When asked, they found out: “I don’t like you, teacher.” However, they later joined the teacher’s team because they were happy and loved him so much. There were also children whose parents did not allow them to go, so they called the teacher crying and asked him to ask them to join. He could only encourage them and do ideological work with their parents so that they could join next time. Only then did we know that in order for children to follow the teacher, the teacher must first follow the students and love the work he is pursuing in order to achieve results and joy.
Mr. Le Huu Ngo said that in the past, when the Viet Duc Children's Cultural House was the only place to discover, create and nurture young talents, and the only place in the city to teach summer talents to children, countless students came to the cultural house. From here, teachers have nurtured and discovered many talented young people. For the major he is in charge of, although students do not need to reveal special innate talents such as singing, dancing, etc., they need to be sensitive to sounds and have high discipline. Therefore, to train a generation of students with qualities, the most important thing is still the teacher's care.
“There are students who only need a few lessons to be able to play the drums, blow the trumpet, and perform the movements correctly, but there are also students who take longer, requiring patience from both teachers and students.” Learning to join the ceremonial team is not difficult, but to stay in the team for a long time, the most important thing is that the students have high discipline and obey orders. Therefore, teacher Ngo has a “storehouse” of tear-jerking stories in the process of leading the beloved children.
“When taking the children to perform, I have to take care of each outfit, each scarf. I am also an involuntary makeup artist for my students. The children love performing. So, even though I don’t have this expertise, when I tell them to put on makeup, lipstick, and draw their eyebrows, they are all happy,” he said. And there are countless other unnamed, sensitive stories about the girls. There are girls who have reached puberty and suddenly had to put on the teacher’s shirt to go on stage without being prepared; there are times when the General Manager gave a wrong command, making me hold my breath in the wings; and then there are times when it’s time for the show but unfortunately a child has a stomachache and can’t stand in line, forcing me to consider option 2; there is also a situation where a child mistakenly took the wrong bicycle when leaving the event venue, causing me to be scolded… Those memories are both luggage and priceless assets for me in the years of accompanying many generations of children…
Every year, Mr. Le Huu Ngo leads children to provinces and cities to compete in the Vietnamese Brass Band Festival. Wherever he goes, he is like a kind father taking care of his children's meals and sleep. "There are times when I am very tired, but when I look at the smiles and joy on the children's faces, I feel like all my tiredness is gone. I even feel younger, like I have become a child again, enjoying their innocent joy" - Mr. Le Huu Ngo said.
After the trips and performances, Mr. Ngo's students all received very proud results, which were many First Prizes for the whole group, and above all, confidence, boldness and good discipline. "Now that I'm old, the children call me "teacher", they call me that because I'm like their grandfather in the family!". "Some people say, children are very naughty, if they don't listen, they have to be "whipped" immediately, why are you so good, patient, and gentle!" - Mr. Ngo said. But according to him, if you don't love children, you will never be able to put your heart and soul into teaching them patience, perseverance and discipline; and if you don't love children, don't do this job.
Not only participating in guiding and training children at the Viet Duc Children's Cultural House, he also teaches primary and secondary schools about the work of the Young Pioneers, and trains the Young Pioneers' General Leaders in the whole province. Wherever he goes, people learn not only professional knowledge about the Young Pioneers' work but also the love for children that spreads from his example. Therefore, he is always trusted as a member of the Jury of the competitions for excellent Young Pioneers at the city and provincial levels. However, he humbly said that he only accumulates experience and passes on experience, but has no talent. "Those who love children and are enthusiastic about the profession will surely do well in the Young Pioneers' work, become a prestigious General Leader and be loved and respected by children."
Over the years, Mr. Ngo has not only been in charge of the Ceremony Team at the Viet Duc Children's Cultural House, but has also been considered a "housekeeper", with countless tasks such as being in charge of academic affairs, scheduling and timetable for classes, managing classes and classrooms. He is also in charge of admissions. "If anyone needs anything, just call Mr. Ngo, Mr. Ngo, I'm always busy all day long" - he said.
During his 31 years working at the Viet Duc Children's Cultural House, he had many generations of students who became famous, many of whom later became Team Leaders, and many who grew up in other jobs. However, for the children, the memories at the Viet Duc Children's Cultural House and for Mr. Ngo, the virtues of patience, meticulousness, and discipline that he cultivated are valuable things that will accompany them throughout their lives.
