At 7 p.m., after a hard day at work, people in Ca La Pa hamlet gather at Ca La Pa school, part of Leng Su Sin Primary Boarding School, to attend an illiteracy eradication class. This special class, which opened in September, has 17 students.

As soon as villager Vu Thi Bau heard about the class, she discussed it with her husband and he encouraged her to sign up. Bau said this is the first time in her life she has held a pen or written her name.

 “When I joined the class, I found that the teachers were very enthusiastic. I really enjoy learning. I go to work in the morning and attend the class in the evening, after preparing dinner for my children,” said Bau.

Learning how to write their own name and the names of their family members strongly motivated all the class members when they first joined the class. Perhaps that is the reason why since it opened, there hasn’t been a single session without students, and many other villagers have asked to join the class.

Hands calloused from holding hoes and sickles and then awkwardly holding pens for the first time, can now write sentences and poems and do basic math. Despite advancing age, many have put aside their daily worries to come to class and fulfill their desire to learn to read and write.

A villager named Vu Nhia Chong said, “When you can read, you’ll better understand your nation's history. I find it very interesting and want to learn more.”

Vu Xuan Thi, who was assigned to teach the literacy class in Ca La Pa hamlet, said that the teachers and the village chief went to every house to explain to people why they should sign up.

People responded positively and arranged their schedule so they could attend class Monday through Friday evening. After a time, they had all learned to read and write. “Everyone is happy and excited,” said teacher Thi. “The teachers also had to rearrange their schedule to make the time to teach these classes. Everyone got great joy from seeing the villagers able to read and write.”

Pursuant to the 2021-2025 illiteracy eradication program, Muong Nhe district will open 13 literacy classes for 250 students. In 2024, literacy classes were opened for 60 students in Pa My, Muong Toong, and Leng Su Sin communes.

The immediate goal is to teach the students to read, write, do basic math, and learn a little science that they can use in their life and production.

The local education sector has worked closely with multiple relevant agencies and organizations, according to Pham Thiet Chuy, Head of the Education and Training Section of Muong Nhe district. “ The village elders and village chief have played an important role in persuading local adults to attend the classes.”

The efforts of the local administration, teachers, and trainees have brought encouraging results. The notebooks of many Ca La Pa villagers who are no longer children testify to the positive changes that are happening in this mountain area.