After a journey of nearly 150 kilometers, the students, teachers, and members of the Dewey Tây Hồ Tây Community Fund arrived at Nghĩa Tâm Primary School, bringing meaningful gifts as part of the “Stepping Stones to School” project. Departing from Hanoi before dawn, the group was welcomed by Yên Bái’s winding mountain roads, mist-veiled peaks, and the innocent smiles of local children, as natural and pure as the landscape around them.
In the days leading up to the trip, some students were so excited they stayed up all night, afraid they might miss the bus. Despite catching only a little sleep along the way, their enthusiasm never waned. As soon as they arrived, the students beamed with joy and eagerly carried boxes of gifts for the children. Without taking a break, they quickly headed to classrooms to begin their teaching sessions.
Nguyễn Quỳnh Bảo (9Dublin) shared that the Visual Arts and English lessons had been carefully prepared a week in advance. “I was truly surprised that after just one demonstration, many of the children were able to sculpt such adorable animals. Seeing them reminded me of my own dream to become a teacher. I realized this must be what a teacher’s happiness feels like. Although the lesson was short, I hope it planted a seed of joy and motivation for the children to continue learning.”
Ms. Hoàng Thị Thanh Hải, Principal of Nghĩa Tâm Primary School, said emotionally, “Our students are usually shy and reserved, often hesitant around strangers. But today, they interacted eagerly and participated enthusiastically in the lessons and activities led by Dewey students. I’m truly touched and deeply grateful for the warmth shown by the Dewey students, teachers, and parents.”
After the teaching sessions, the group visited two key project initiatives: a newly built restroom facility at Nghĩa Tâm Primary School and a bridge under construction in Tính Luất hamlet, Nghĩa Tâm commune. Despite the rain and muddy, slippery roads, the students, along with teachers and parents, surveyed and checked the construction progress. That day’s most powerful lessons didn’t take place in a classroom, but in muddy shoes, chalk-stained hands, and sweat-soaked brows. Through this experience, the students gained a deep understanding of compassion, generosity, and the spirit of giving and spreading kindness.
We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the generous hearts of The Dewey Schools Tay Ho Tay community. Your valuable contributions and support have helped us turn this project into reality. We would also like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the parents and teachers who accompanied the students on this meaningful journey, despite the long and challenging road. Behind each quiet figure was a heart full of love and a steadfast dedication to the future of our children. One day, when these children step out into the world, may they grow into kind-hearted individuals. May the good deeds of today continue to blossom and bear fruit. And perhaps, among the students of Nghĩa Tâm Primary School that day, some may one day become teachers themselves, bringing knowledge to even the most remote villages. Perhaps those small feet crossing the new bridge will carry even stronger, more determined steps toward a brighter future — continuing the mission of serving the community.
