Overcoming challenges

Just before the new school year, teachers and students of Chiềng Sơ Secondary Boarding School (Mường Luân commune) were heavily affected by floods that devastated most of the school’s facilities.

For weeks, the teaching staff not only dealt with the aftermath of the disaster but also prepared conditions so their students could enjoy a complete opening day. Six classes had to be relocated to the former commune People’s Committee headquarters, where halls and meeting rooms were repaired and transformed into classrooms.

Elsewhere, although not directly hit by natural disasters, schools in difficult areas still faced limited resources. At Tủa Thàng commune, for example, schools at all levels had to adapt their plans to suit their circumstances. At Tủa Thàng Kindergarten No.2, with three satellite campuses, the school decided to hold the opening ceremony at the main campus for nearly 100 children. Lacking a large hall, the ceremony was held outdoors with makeshift roofing. Teachers even borrowed a 55-inch TV to live-stream the national broadcast, ensuring staff, pupils, and parents could feel the atmosphere of the nationwide event.

Sharing the joy nationwide

On September 5, in the spirit of excitement across the country, Điện Biên’s students experienced a truly memorable day. At Chiềng Sơ, teachers and pupils celebrated in borrowed premises, but the event remained solemn and warm. Quàng Thị Thanh Huyền, a ninth grader, expressed gratitude: “Our school was badly damaged by floods, but today we still had a full and meaningful opening ceremony. I am deeply thankful to our teachers and local authorities for their preparations.”

In traditional Hmông attire, Thào A Di from Mường Nhà commune brought his children to Mường Lói Primary Boarding School. As both a parent and community representative, he shared: “Seeing how much attention is given to education encourages me to work with teachers to ensure the best schooling for our children.”

This year, Điện Biên’s opening followed a unified national program: a solemn flag salute, national anthem, and welcoming new pupils, followed by a live broadcast from Hà Nội to mark both the new school year and the 80th anniversary of the Ministry of Education and Training. For the first time, Điện Biên’s teachers, students, and parents joined the entire nation in one collective event, hearing the message of Party General Secretary Tô Lâm dedicated to education.

Hoàng Tuyết Ban, Director of the provincial Department of Education and Training, affirmed: “This is a special opening ceremony, reflecting determination and unity from central to local levels. We believe this renewal will inspire positive changes for education in Điện Biên and nationwide.”