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A Temple of Learning: Two Decades of Free Summer Classes in Vietnam’s Heartland

For over two decades, a pagoda in Quang Tri Province, Vietnam, has been offering a unique and generous service to the community. Every summer, students from grades one to nine are invited to attend free classes hosted by the pagoda. This longstanding tradition has become a beacon of knowledge and education for the local community, providing a valuable opportunity for young minds to continue their learning journey during the summer months.

Administrator

4 August, 2024

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Every summer morning, the Lap Thach Pagoda in Dong Ha City, Quang Tri Province, echoes with the laughter of schoolchildren. Volunteer teachers run summer classes here, offering a unique and joyful learning experience.

Nguyen Thi Ngoc Diep, a fifth grader at Le Hong Phong Middle School, has been attending these classes since early June. Her diverse class of over 20 students from various schools has brought her new knowledge and friends.

“I’ve learned so much, and my classmates are wonderful,” Diep shared. “I’m grateful to have made new friends and truly enjoy coming to class.”

Volunteer teachers not only help students review academic knowledge but also provide them with positive energy and life skills. Photo: Hoang Tao / Tuoi Tre

Duong Thi Hoai Phuong, an English teacher at Nguyen Ba Ngoc Middle School, has been volunteering at the pagoda for two years. Summer is usually a time for teachers to relax or teach paid classes, but teachers like Phuong choose to dedicate their time to these students.

“Our aim is to help students revise what they’ve learned during the school year,” Phuong explained. “We want to ensure they don’t fall behind and provide a supportive environment for them to thrive.”

The abbot of Lap Thach Pagoda, Venerable Thich Dao Tri, a former pedagogic student himself, initiated these summer classes. Understanding the importance of education, he has gathered a dedicated team of volunteer teachers to support the Buddhist children in the community.

This summer, 244 students from grades one to nine attended the classes, with the largest group being sixth graders and the smallest, first graders. Notably, many students traveled from mountainous districts like Dakrong and Huong Hoa, about 90 kilometers away, opting to stay at the pagoda for the summer to attend these classes.

The summer classes at Lap Thach Pagoda have been a beloved tradition for over 20 years. Photo: Hoang Tao / Tuoi Tre

This year, 50 students are residing at the pagoda, incurring significant expenses. However, the abbot noted that they do not accept any contributions from parents, relying instead on the generosity and dedication of the 25 volunteer teachers, some of whom have been returning for up to seven years.

“Our classes focus on knowledge revision, but we also want to instill a sense of compassion and morality in our students,” the abbot shared. “The teachers’ dedication and the peaceful pagoda environment contribute to a unique and positive learning experience.”

Beyond academic knowledge, the teachers and pagoda community strive to nurture the students’ sense of morality and compassion. The continuation of these summer classes is a testament to the support and dedication of the volunteer teachers, offering a valuable service to the community.