“I feel sorry for the teachers but don’t know what to do” – a woman in the village said to everyone, and everyone shared the same feeling.
The new school year started when a heavy rain fell on the villages in the West. Then came the floods, everywhere was covered with mud. To get to school, the classrooms located in remote villages, teachers had to go through countless hardships. It was pouring rain above their heads, mud under their feet, it took them many hours to get through the steep slopes of several kilometers. The motorbikes no longer looked like motorbikes. They were like heavy blocks of clay. As for the teachers, they looked like people who had just "bathed" in mud. There were schools and classrooms far from the commune center, the road went through many streams, which were bearable in the dry season, but when it rained, the water was red and fast flowing. Many times teachers lost their way because they had to wait for the water to recede. And as the images on social networks in the past few days showed, many teachers in communes such as Bao Nam, Bao Thang (Ky Son) had to make stretchers to carry their motorbikes, equipment and supplies across the streams. Then we had to stretch ropes and help each other to get through the raging flood. I really feel sorry for the teachers. It is because of their love for teaching, for the children's education, and their responsibility to the people in remote areas that the teachers have to endure such hardships.
The villagers also said to each other: Why doesn't the government repair the road, build a few more solid bridges to make it less difficult for teachers and people to travel? I remember a few years ago, the teachers at Tri Le 4 Primary School, Tri Le Commune, Que Phong District were awarded the Impression Award by Vietnam Television for their contributions to the education cause in remote areas. In particular, VTV honored the teachers because they overcame countless difficulties and shortages at the school which was isolated due to the terrain and difficult and dangerous roads. It was thought that after that, people would pay attention and improve the transportation system, but until now, the teachers at the famous school still have to struggle with the muddy road up to their knees.
Almost every year, people in my village tell each other to repair the roads. After this rain, it is the same. Repairing them will help teachers have less trouble and make it easier for people to travel. And more importantly, it will help teachers see the hearts of the villagers and be willing to stick with the children.
Song: The Palace
Photo: Dao Tho
