Happy school at the foot of Hoang Lien mountain

During recess that day, the whole school yard seemed to light up when the sound of the flute and drums resounded. The performance only lasted 10 minutes, but it moved everyone who witnessed it. The soft umbrella dances, the bustling bamboo pole dances, the powerful martial arts dances… were all performed by the Dao and Mong students. Parents stood around the school yard, unable to hide their pride when seeing their children confidently shine in performances that were both artistic and imbued with their identity.

Ms. Ly Lo May, whose child is in 4th grade, emotionally shared: The children dance very well and beautifully. Before, I thought that my children only went to school to learn letters, but now seeing that they are learning many useful things, I feel very secure and proud.

Not only a mother, Ms. May is also a “special teacher”. She was invited by the school to instruct students in embroidering brocade patterns - a traditional craft of the Dao people. In the afternoon, under the shade of an old po mu tree in the corner of the schoolyard, Ms. May sat with a group of students attentively practicing each stitch. The sunlight filtered through the leaves, shining on the colorful brocade fabrics spread around. Her hands were agile, her eyes gentle as she watched each child embroidering a flower or a shirt border for the first time. That space was both poetic and like a miniature classroom filled with cultural transmission.

“I am very proud. I have passed on my profession, preserved my culture, and also seen my children excitedly learn. I believe that when they grow up, they will not forget their roots,” said Ms. May, her hands still deftly threading the thread, smiling gently.

With 100% of students being ethnic minorities, mainly the Red Dao, the school clearly identifies that education cannot stop at just letters. Ethnic culture must be considered the foundation for sustainable education development and closeness to students. Therefore, over the years, Ta Phin Primary School has built the model "School associated with the cultural heritage of the Red Dao ethnic group" - a model that is not only creative but also full of humanity.

Right from the school gate, the flagpole, roof, fence... are all designed and decorated according to traditional Dao motifs. The classrooms are named after the Dao language, the murals are painted by teachers and students, simulating cultural activities such as wedding customs, traditional crafts such as embroidery, medicine, weaving...

“We love school, love class, love embroidery and dance lessons. When I grow up, I want to be a teacher to teach children Dao language and learn to sing folk songs that my grandmother often sings,” Ly Phuong Anh, a student of class 5A2, shared proudly.

With the orientation of building a “community cultural school”, a “tourism school”, the school’s Board of Directors always worries about how each student can both study well and preserve their roots. Therefore, the school not only organizes teaching of letters and English, but also promotes experiential activities: learning embroidery, weaving, collecting medicinal herbs, making traditional dishes, playing folk games... Each parent in the village is invited to teach the craft, each artisan is invited to teach Nom Dao script. All contribute to building a special educational space - where the past, present and future converge.

“We hope that when each student comes to school, they will not only acquire knowledge but also feel pride in their nation and the traditions they are inheriting,” said teacher Ong Thi Hien, Principal of Ta Phin Primary School.

Ta Phin Primary School - a small school but a place where simple but profound dreams are sown - the dream of learning, understanding, and being proud of one's nation. There, people see that culture is not only taught, but also lived and breathed in every dance, every smile, every hand-embroidered scarf that still smells of forest leaves... Right here - in the mist of Sa Pa - a "happy school" is writing beautiful stories for the future of students in the highlands every day.

Source: https://baolaocai.vn/ngoi-truong-hanh-phuc-duoi-chan-nui-hoang-lien-post400243.html