Free class teaching English and drama to children in rural areas

We caught the early ferry to get to a free summer school for 100 children aged 4-15. The class is divided into two groups in Hoa Binh and Vinh Xuan communes, Vinh Long province.

For nearly 10 years, the "green sprout" class has been initiated and maintained by teacher Nguyen Khanh with warmth and love.

10 years of 0 dong classes

In the summer class in Hoa Binh commune, the laughter and singing of teachers and students are bustling. This is not only a classroom, but also a place to nurture knowledge, hone skills, and further contribute to discovering and cultivating the talents of children with artistic talent.

The children are taught acting, music , English, fine arts, handwriting... All desks, chairs, books, and pens are free.

Mr. Nguyen Khanh - head teacher of the free summer class, teacher at Huu Thanh B Primary School (Vinh Xuan commune, Vinh Long province) - came up with the idea of ​​opening this volunteer class since 2015.

"This summer education model has received support from the locality, parents and teachers. Up to now, my class has 6 volunteer teachers and I teaching the children in the summer.

"Students with difficult circumstances or who are studious and want to learn English, fine arts, music, acting, and handwriting are all allowed to attend the class," Mr. Khanh shared.

Bringing drama to the countryside

In particular, this year for the first time, the children had the opportunity to learn singing and acting with artist Son Dang, an artist from Ho Chi Minh City who spent time supporting the class.

The lesson is simple with just two microphones and a small portable speaker. "Teacher" Son Dang demonstrates, then gives detailed instructions and trains the children to transform into characters in fairy tales such as Little Red Riding Hood, Tam Cam, Thach Sanh ... to practice their performance skills, creativity and confidence.

"I like playing the wolf in the story Little Red Riding Hood . The teacher is very funny and enthusiastically teaches each line, movement, and eye contact when transforming into the wolf character. Studying here is fun and I have made many new friends," said Le Ngoc Thai (9 years old) while smiling innocently.

Amidst the tranquility of the rice fields, the "seeds of hope" are sprouting day by day through each simple but dedicated lesson of both teachers and students. Perhaps it is from these classrooms without blackboards or chalks that the first dreams of rural children have begun to fly away.