On a remote island, to help children receive an education, the officers and soldiers have opened a free charity school. For the past 31 years, many children on the island have grown up from this school and become useful members of society.
Hon Chuoi Island, located in Song Doc commune, Ca Mau province, lies approximately 32km west of the mainland. It is one of the important outpost islands in the southwestern part of Vietnam. Photo: Thanh ChungHon Chuoi Island is inhabited by a self-governing community comprising 66 households and over 220 residents. The islanders primarily earn their living through cage fish farming and fishing. (Photo: Thanh Chung)The island lacks a medical station and a national school system. To ensure children on the island receive an education, the local self-governing group, in coordination with the Hon Chuoi Border Guard Post and Radar Station 615, has opened a charity school. Photo: Thanh ChungThe charity class opened in 1995. After 31 years, it has taught 98 children, from grades 1 to 5. When they reached secondary school, they were brought ashore to continue their education. From this class, 7 students have now graduated from university and found employment. Photo: Thanh ChungCurrently, the charity class is taught by Lieutenant Colonel Tran Binh Phuc, Deputy Head of the Mass Mobilization Team of Hon Chuoi Border Guard Station. The class has been recognized as a school within the education system of Song Doc commune. Photo: Thanh Chung"Teacher" Tran Binh Phuc said: "Previously, the classroom facilities were very poor. The children's education was not supported by their families. They believed that all the children needed was to know how to dive and navigate the sea to make a living… Authorities had to expend considerable effort to persuade the families to let the children attend school." (Photo: Thanh Chung)Later, the classroom received support from various levels of government and organizations, leading to the construction of increasingly modern and well-equipped facilities. Photo: Thanh ChungThe class consists of students of various ages. These students have limited exposure to the outside world and lack social knowledge. Therefore, teaching them is very challenging. Photo: Thanh ChungTo teach effectively, "Teacher" Phuc strives to convey basic knowledge in the most concise and easy-to-understand way possible, accompanied by vivid and relatable stories to engage the children. Photo: Thanh Chung“I go to class not as their teacher, but like a family member. I treat them like my own children. There is no distance between teacher and students, but a bond of love like that of one family,” said Lieutenant Colonel Tran Binh Phuc. Photo: Thanh ChungEvery day, in addition to teaching literacy, "teacher" Tran Binh Phuc often teaches the children to sing. The greatest joy and motivation for the officers and soldiers on the island is seeing the children learn to read and write, nurture their dreams, and become useful members of society. Photo: Thanh Chung
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