In Gratitude 2025: Honoring Silent Teachers
The program "In lieu of gratitude 2025" depicts the emotional journey of dedicated teachers, from the teacher crossing the stream to bring food to her students to the young scientist returning home to contribute.
On the evening of November 16, the program "Instead of gratitude" in 2025 was broadcast live, an annual event organized by Vietnam Television in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Training to celebrate the 43rd anniversary of Vietnamese Teachers' Day (November 20, 1982 - November 20, 2025). With the theme "Lighting up the future", the program honored the silent contributions of teachers across the country.
The event was attended by Minister of Education and Training Nguyen Kim Son, representatives of central ministries, departments and branches and outstanding teachers nationwide.
Message from the head of education
Speaking at the program, Minister Nguyen Kim Son emphasized the role of teachers in lighting the fire of knowledge, faith and aspiration for generations of students. He shared: "Education is the profession of sowing seeds and nurturing the future, silently but persistently, quietly but brilliantly... Teachers turn knowledge into light so that students can illuminate their own path to adulthood and create their own future."
The Minister also sent a message to the teaching staff, calling on them to constantly strive to be worthy of society's trust, always be a shining example of personality, learning spirit and fairness for students to follow.
Journeys of sowing knowledge in the highlands
The program brought the audience to touching stories about the sacrifices of teachers in difficult areas. One of the most impressive images was that of teachers at Thac Lam Kindergarten, Quang Lam Commune, Cao Bang Province, carrying food packages, crossing streams and forests to bring their students meals with meat.
The story of teacher Nong Le Luyen is a typical example. Every day, she starts her journey at 5am, overcoming 16km of steep and dangerous mountain passes with nearly 20kg of food and books to reach Ho Nhi school. Her simplicity and love for children has touched the hearts of many viewers.
Next to that is the story of teacher Pham Thi Hong in Dak Lak, who did not hesitate to travel dozens of kilometers to persuade each family to keep students with letters. Thanks to her perseverance, many students like Vu Thi Sanh have grown up and returned to their hometown to continue their career of sowing knowledge.
Creativity and desire to contribute
"In lieu of gratitude 2025" also honors teachers with a spirit of innovation and creativity. A typical example is Dr. Le Trong Duc from Hau Nghia High School, Tay Ninh province, with the "flipped classroom" model. This initiative helps students actively study lessons at home, spending time in class discussing, practicing and solving practical problems.
The program also introduced the inspirational story of Associate Professor, Dr. Truong Thanh Tung, lecturer of the Faculty of Pharmacy, Phenikaa Advanced Research Institute, Phenikaa University. He is a representative of the generation of young scientists who gave up high-paying opportunities abroad to return to Vietnam, pursuing their aspiration to research and invent drugs, contributing to the development of the country.
Closing with a meaningful medley, "In lieu of gratitude 2025" spread a strong message about a humane, creative and integrated education, where each teacher is the one who lights the torch to light the way for the country's future.
