The primary school of Na Kho Village is located deep inside the nature reserve. VNA/VNS Photo Xuân Tiến

NGHỆ AN The primary school of Na Kho Village in Nga Mỹ Commune, Tương Dương District in the central province of Nghệ An is located deep within Pù Huống forest, about 16 kilometres from the central township.

In order to reach the remote mountainous village, travellers have to follow a dirt road nearly 10 kilometres through Phù Huống Nature Reserve. From the centre of Xốp Kho Village, the arduous route goes past the confluence of the Nậm Kho and Nậm Ngân streams, across countless steep slopes, deep ravines and rocky terrain, and under the dense forest canopy for over 10 kilometres, until finally setting foot on Na Kho Village.

The primary school of Na Kho Village is covered in early morning mist. VNA/VNS Photo Xuân Tiến

Over nearly 80 years since its establishment, from a few initial households, Na Kho is now home to about 80 households, with a population of over 370 people. The village is concentrated in two small areas at the foot of the mountain, separated by the small streams of Khe Phai and Khe Kho.

According to Lữ Văn Uôn, the village chief, the greatest joy for the villagers came with the establishment of the preschool and primary schools.

“The first educational facilities in Na Kho were built in 1980 when dedicated teachers arrived and set up makeshift classrooms using wooden planks, thatched roofs and palm leaves. Generations of committed teachers have tirelessly faced scarcity and challenges to sow the seeds of knowledge and foster growth amidst the vast forest,” he recalled.

Teacher Phan Ngọc Khánh has to teach both first and second grades at the same time. VNA/VNS Photo Xuân Tiến

By 2001, new permanent buildings for the preschool and primary school were built. Thanks to these educational facilities, 100 per cent of the children in the village now receive a formal education.

In the academic year 2023-2024, the local primary school enrols nine students with five in first grade and four in second grade, all of whom belong to the Thai ethnic community. The school has only one teacher – Phan Ngọc Khánh, born in 1976.

As both classes study together, Khánh has to teach subjects of both grades one and two at the same time. Amid the difficulties in the deep forest, where transportation obstacles and educational constraints persist, the teacher embraces his students with love and responsibility, wholeheartedly dedicating himself to the profession of sowing the seeds of knowledge.

Students of the primary school of Na Kho Village participate in a PE lesson. VNA/VNS Photo Xuân Tiến

“I strive to guide and educate the students so that they have a solid foundation before moving on to higher grades,” the 48-year-old teacher said. VNS

Khánh and his students tend flowers to beautify their school. VNA/VNS Photo Xuân Tiến