Soldiers help schools recover after floods and welcome new school year

On August 10, nearly 100 officers and soldiers of Regiment 82 and the Provincial Military Command crossed mud-covered roads to reach the schools, determined to clear dirt and clean every classroom as a “gift” for local students to return to school after the summer holiday.

Officers and soldiers make every effort to support schools as the new academic year approaches.

Officers and soldiers rearranging equipment for the school

At Chieng So Boarding Secondary School for Ethnic Minorities in Muong Luan Commune, thick mud blanketed everything from the schoolyard to classrooms and the canteen. Many books and documents were soaked, while student dormitories, the library, and the computer room all suffered damage.

At Huoi Va B Village School in Tia Dinh Commune, the concrete schoolyard and many of the children’s playground have been under a thick layer of mud.

Troops drying books and lesson plans soaked in the floods

Officers and soldiers strive to revive schools after floods.

Officers and soldiers worked swiftly to arrange beds, clean desks, canteen and kitchen, dry documents, relocate the computer room, and clear away mud. Under the sun, sweat soaked the backs of their uniforms, mud clung to their hands and boots, yet no one lost enthusiasm. They knew that they were bringing children of the highlands back to their dream of going to school.

Troops from Regiment 82 clean up the environment at Huoi Va B village school site, Tia Dinh Commune.

Although many challenges remain, with the timely support of the soldiers, classrooms and schoolyards are gradually being cleaned. The dedication and sense of responsibility shown by the soldiers have given hope and strength to hundreds of teachers and students in this border area, turning the school into a place that nurtures and helps children gain knowledge.

Translated by Hue Chi