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How a Vietnamese boarding school is transforming ethnic minority education

From skipped classes to university dreams: One school's fight to keep ethnic minority children learning. Meet the students defying odds—and the teachers who won't let them quit.

The image shows a map of Vietnam with the provinces of Dai Nam highlighted in green. The text at...
The image shows a map of Vietnam with the provinces of Dai Nam highlighted in green. The text at the bottom of the image provides additional information about the map.

How a Vietnamese boarding school is transforming ethnic minority education

Attendance at Lùng Cải Primary and Secondary Boarding School for Ethnic Minorities has risen over the past two years. The improvement follows new boarding facilities and policies aimed at supporting students. Many children in the area previously skipped school due to financial struggles and a lack of awareness about education’s value. The school has introduced several changes to keep students engaged. Lessons are now spread out to match their needs, and eight-week language courses help ethnic minority pupils overcome communication barriers. Teachers also provide emotional support, building trust to prevent dropouts.

To ensure students stay healthy, the school serves three cooked meals daily, along with dietary supplements and extra milk. This focus on physical well-being complements efforts to address social and psychological challenges. Older students often face pressures like early relationships and limited parental guidance. Despite these hurdles, more pupils are now continuing their education beyond secondary school. Some enrol in vocational training, while others pursue university degrees. Students themselves have also become advocates, encouraging peers to stay in school and avoid child marriage. For Thào Thị Phương Dung, a ninth-grade student, the school’s impact runs deep. Inspired by her teachers, she dreams of becoming an educator to guide future generations in the same way.

The school’s boarding upgrades, nutritional support, and tailored teaching have led to better attendance. More students are now progressing to higher education or vocational training. These changes reflect a broader effort to break cycles of poverty through accessible schooling.

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