August brings heavy downpours, and the return of teachers from their summer leave. Each area faces its own challenges, especially during the rainy season. For teachers in the mountains, preparing classrooms and facilities is only part of the job; they also have to overcome significant obstacles.

The Pá Vạt satellite campus of Pá Vạt Kindergarten was among the hardest-hit by the August 1 flash flood in Mường Luân commune. The flood destroyed perimeter walls and toilets, caused classrooms to sink and tilt, and left them submerged in mud, washing away learning materials and equipment.

Principal Bùi Thị Huyền said that as soon as the water receded, with help from local residents, teachers from across the commune and armed forces units managed to clear the debris. Salvageable equipment was cleaned and repaired for the new school year. “We are now reaching out to organizations, individuals and benefactors to provide essential supplies for our students, so we can be as ready as possible”, she added.

Also hit by flash floods but spared the direct path of the water, Phì Nhừ Primary Semi-Boarding School for Ethnic Minorities in Xa Dung commune escaped major damage. Returning from leave, teachers not only cleaned up their own facilities but also joined recovery efforts in flood-affected communities.

“People have lost so much, we try to help however we can”, said Principal Ngô Văn Vinh. “With rain still falling and landslides blocking roads, it’s hard to reach some villages. Teachers from every school in Xa Dung are working alongside local authorities to clear debris, reopen access roads, and help residents stabilize their lives, so classes can resume smoothly and students can return on time.”

In less-affected areas, teachers are still busy. Na Son commune has 12 schools at various levels, and from early August, teachers have been back recruiting students, tidying schoolyards and classrooms. Each school faces different realities, and keeping enrollment numbers stable depends on local conditions.

Nguyễn Thế Hùng, vice principal of Keo Lôm Semi-Boarding Secondary School for Ethnic Minorities in Na Son commune, said the school has 15 classes and more than 500 students, over 85% of whom are boarding students from the Mong ethnic group. “Along with preparing classrooms and dormitories, we’re checking on students from disadvantaged backgrounds who might drop out to work, so we can encourage them to stay in school,” he said.

With the new academic year just around the corner, highland areas in the province still face many hardships. But thanks to the proactive, determined efforts of teachers and communities, the 2025 school year is set to begin smoothly, contributing to the province’s overall education goals.