Nguyễn Dương Phúc during a volunteering trip. — Photos courtesy of Nguyễn Dương Phúc

BÌNH THUẬN — Having completed his education in art pedagogy, an area rife with attractive employment prospects in the bustling cities, Nguyễn Dương Phúc took the less trodden path, choosing to dedicate his youth to spreading knowledge in his rural birthplace.

Previously an educator at an international establishment in HCM City, this 27-year-old teacher took the journey home in 2017, choosing to disseminate his wisdom at Suối Kiết Secondary School, nestled in the Suối Kiết Commune of the Tánh Linh District, in Bình Thuận Province.

Speaking about this surprising decision, the young teacher said: "Everyone has their own story, and so have I. I believe that when we have thoughts and plans for the future, we should do it to avoid regrets later. I want to dedicate my youth to the education in the countryside."

Phúc's studies started at a local primary school and he transitioned to a more urbanised town for his secondary education. This progression has granted him a nuanced understanding of the variances in experience between students residing in rural areas and their urban counterparts.

"I understand the deprivation that children in rural areas face... Therefore, I want to dedicate my youth to accompany them," he told Giáo dục Việt Nam (Việt Nam Education) online newspaper.

Fortunately, that decision was supported by his mother and older sister, so Phúc had even more motivation to dedicate his youthful energy to his hometown.

"Both my mother and sister are passionate teachers, they are role models who led me to the path of pedagogical studies and ignited a growing passion for the profession," he said.

"In the early days, I did feel a bit unfamiliar because of the sudden transition from an international environment with modern facilities to a school that still used old desks and chairs since I was at school. I grew to love the simple scenes here, as well as the daily changes that gradually made the appearance of the school more magnificent."

During nearly seven years of teaching art at Suối Kiết Secondary School, the young teacher has many memories.

His classes usually consist of 25-30 students, many of whom are ethnic minorities and come from families in difficult circumstances.

There were days that he had to visit students' homes to persuade them to attend school. For him, it was also one of the memorable experiences.

The innocence and naivety in the eyes of these children have made Phúc mature and more passionate with his work, as well as a growing desire to nurture the future generations of students.

Not only is he a young, dynamic, and passionate teacher, but he is also known as the initiator of the project "Bringing education to mountainous areas", which has been implemented since March 2022 to support children in remote areas.

Across this "S-shaped" land, there are difficulties everywhere, and there are always children who are disadvantaged in accessing education. But Phúc wants to choose the schools in his hometown as a stopping point in his initial journey.

Phúc has implemented the project in most schools in Tánh Linh District, and Sơn La Province.

Up to now, the project has provided over 2,000 gifts to students. In the initial stages of the project, teacher Phúc used his own money to help students in difficult circumstances, offering scholarships, and providing school supplies and necessities.

Nguyễn Dương Phúc and students paint walls at a school.

With more support from other donors, the project aims to assist even more students in other schools.

In May 2022, Phúc collaborated with the Đức Phú Commune Youth Union to visit Tà Pứa Primary - Secondary School and donate six bicycles to poor students. They also presented nearly 160 gifts and organised fun activities and exchanges for the students.

The most impressive part of that trip for the young teacher was perhaps the opportunity to listen to stories from the students.

"Only a few dozen kilometres from the school, most of the students here can only walk to school. Some students who live far away from school have to call on truck drivers along the road for lifts because their families can't afford to buy a bicycle.

"Hearing stories like this, I feel a deep sympathy for the students. However, it also motivates me to do meaningful things."

"Giving something to someone, even if it's not much, but at the right moment, it can still bring value. I silently remind myself and continue on these journeys," Phúc said.

That has prompted him to think about more projects to help more people.

In the early days of June, he planned for the trips of "Colouring the remote regions", aiming to transform the appearance of schools in remote and highland areas in Tánh Linh District and Phú Quý island District.

Every week, Phúc and his companions will visit a school and spend about 3-5 days painting vibrant and colourful murals. Their goal is to rejuvenate the space and make the students love their school even more, creating a sense of "every day at school is a joyful day."

"The memories are endless, but for me, the most enjoyable part is when our entire team is warmly welcomed. The students gather around to watch us paint the walls, and some of them eagerly join in, creating beautiful murals with their favourite colours."

Phúc said the team had busy but meaningful days, sometimes painting until midnight, yet no one felt tired. The next morning, they continued their work, regardless of whether it was sunny or rainy.

"Looking at the bright eyes and innocent smiles of the students as they cheered joyfully at the vibrant murals, we felt like we were given greater motivation."

Those sources of motivation have driven teacher Phúc to continue his journeys and charitable projects.

After nearly seven years of dedication to the school in his hometown, he is becoming increasingly beloved by the students, not only for his youthfulness, energy, and humour but also for life experiences he shares.

"Among my students, there are those who have a great passion for and aspire to pursue a teaching career. I am so happy about that. However, I always remind them: If you truly love the teaching profession, then in the future, be brave to step through difficulties and challenges ahead. While it may not bring material wealth, teaching is a sacred and noble profession that will bring immense value to the generations of students and to the individuals themselves." — VNS