Portrait of a Devoted Teacher

Dinh Cong Kindergarten in Hoang Mai district, Hanoi is a spacious, clean and modern facility - the best place for children to learn and play. However, a very few people knew the ups and falls of this playschool. It was set up in 1961 and plunged to the verge of dissolution in the 1980s. Nguyen Thi Dua was a nurse at that time. She asked the school leaders to reopen it. However, this was not an easy job because most teachers had moved to downtown schools. Despite being enthusiastic, smart and quick, hardly anyone believed that she would succeed. After overcoming heaps of obstacles and difficulties, the playground was reopened in 1983 with only one class. One year later, it had five classes with 150 kids. Many started to think of a good future of the school. Unfortunately, she faced a mountain of difficulties again. In 1987, when Vietnam ended the self-subsidy mechanism, the school had to be responsible for its operating expenses. And, to continue operations, it started to collect tuition fees. But, most parents stopped sending their kids following the new mechanism. The preschool faced a shut once again. Dua had to try her best to revitalise the school. In 1990, it had 170 children.

 

She and her colleagues determined to build a spacious modern kindergarten and employ best teachers. At that time, what she did for Dinh Cong Kindergarten was deemed ridiculous. However, her decision proved right now. The playschool has three sections and 18 classes. All teachers are qualified. Many teachers are named excellent teachers of the district and the city. A lot of initiatives and experience are applied effectively. With its burning determinations for perfection, the school always receives strong support from local leaders, unions, social organisations and people. Under the tutelage of the dynamic, enthusiastic and creative headmaster, the school always successfully completes its tasks and achieves numerous emulation titles. It received the Certificate of Appreciation for outstanding kindergarten in the Hanoi People’s Committee in eight straight years (2003-2010). It was also granted the Certificates of Merits from the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Education and Training, the Hanoi Department of Education and Training, etc. In the 2008 -2009 school year, it was honourably presented the Third-grade Labour Order by the State President.

 

When asked what made a young empty-handed teacher drive the school back from the verge of dissolution, she modestly revealed that she had a belief, a dream, a passion and a love for the school. Importantly, she had support and sharing from her family, assistances from local authorities, and joint efforts of her colleagues. In recognition of her labour and devotion, Nguyen Thi Dua was named the Excellent Teacher by the State President in 2010.

 

Under her leadership, Dinh Cong Kindergarten is believed to continue promoting its traditions and achievements and becoming a trustworthy address for parents.