The support activities are diverse, ranging from scholarships, books, notebooks, and uniforms to essential learning equipment. One of the most meaningful and urgent efforts is providing textbooks to students in communes severely affected by the devastating flood in early August. Thousands of textbooks were either washed away or completely damaged. A survey identified 1,235 students from five schools most impacted by the disaster who lacked sufficient books for the new school year. These schools include: Chiềng Sơ Ethnic Boarding Secondary School, Mường Luân Ethnic Primary School, Suối Lư Primary and Secondary School, Tìa Dình Ethnic Primary School, and Tìa Dình Ethnic Secondary School.

In response, the Vietnam Education Publishing House, in collaboration with the Department of Education and Training, donated 1,235 sets of “Connecting Knowledge with Life” textbooks, worth a total of VND 290 million, to students at these schools. Receiving fresh, fragrant books, the students could hardly hide their excitement.

Quàng Thị Thanh Huyền, a ninth grader at Chiềng Sơ Ethnic Boarding Secondary School, shared: “During the recent flood, my family suffered heavy losses of crops and livestock. My textbooks and school supplies were completely swept away. Receiving new textbooks makes me very happy. This is a meaningful gift, giving me extra motivation to overcome difficulties and study hard.”

New textbooks not only support students but also bring joy to teachers, fulfilling their wish for students to return to school with peace of mind. At Chiềng Sơ Ethnic Boarding Secondary School, floodwaters reached 2.5 meters, damaging textbooks, notebooks, teaching materials, and many learning facilities. Principal Nguyễn Danh Hỷ said: “The school received 530 sets of textbooks. Our facilities were heavily damaged, and the books were unusable. Most families of our students are economically disadvantaged, so timely support from organizations and donors is extremely meaningful. These gifts help reduce the burden on parents and allow students to return to school confidently from the first day. Teachers and students are ready to start the new school year.”

In addition to emergency support for flood-affected students, special attention is given to students with disabilities. Recently, the Vietnam Fund for Children with Disabilities, in collaboration with the provincial Association for the Protection of Disabled People and Children’s Rights, organized the 2025 program “Scholarships to Support Disabled Children Going to School.” The program awarded 53 scholarships to students with disabilities from disadvantaged backgrounds in communes including Chiềng Sinh, Tuần Giáo, Quài Tở, Rạng Đông, Mường Mùn, Sáng Nhè, and Tủa Chùa.

Each scholarship, worth VND 2.5 million in cash, included books, clothing, and other practical items. While modest in material value, these gifts provide significant moral support, demonstrating the community’s care and helping students and their families overcome difficulties, boosting their confidence on the challenging path of education.

At Khong Hin Secondary School (Chiềng Sinh commune), three disabled students (physical and intellectual) received scholarships. Principal Bùi Văn Vệ shared: “These students are ethnic minorities from disadvantaged families. Despite their challenges, they continue to strive for knowledge. Two out of three live far from school, facing difficult travel conditions, yet they attend regularly. Receiving these scholarships, both students and their families are very happy and moved. This is truly a meaningful gift, encouraging them to keep striving in life.”

There are many “Back to School” programs organized by agencies, organizations, and individuals across the province. Schools in difficult areas have proactively mobilized additional social resources, collecting books, clothing, and school supplies to distribute directly to students before the school year begins. For instance, the People’s Police Academy, the provincial Police, and the provincial Youth Union recently organized the program “Accompanying Flood-Affected Students, Helping Them Reach School” in Xa Dung commune, distributing tens of thousands of notebooks, pens, rulers, solar lamps, and gifts to students in difficult circumstances. The provincial Children’s Fund also provided outdoor play equipment for Chiêu Ly Kindergarten - Sa Lông Primary School, Na Sang commune, 200 sets of bedding, and numerous gifts and scholarships for students in Phình Giàng commune. Volunteer groups such as Bốn Phương and Thiên Phúc, along with generous sponsors, donated 700 warm jackets, blankets, mats, and thousands of pens, pencils, books, notebooks, and crayons to Chua Ta Primary School (Xa Dung commune).

Every contribution, large or small, is helping light the future and give wings to the dreams of children in the highlands. In a mountainous province with many difficulties, these “Back to School” activities not only reduce the burden on students’ families but also help create a compassionate educational environment, spreading a spirit of mutual support in the community. With the new school year approaching, thanks to the sharing of society, the path to school for students has become somewhat easier.