Bringing a happy spring to homeland islands

Currently, the mainland is experiencing the gradual onset of spring, while out at sea, it’s a time of big waves and strong winds. Despite the stormy conditions, the ships carrying the heartfelt sentiments of people from across the country safely reached the officers, soldiers, and residents of the Truong Sa archipelago.

Very near Truong Sa

After traveling hundreds of nautical miles, the delegation visited the officers and soldiers on the Truong Sa archipelago, wishing them a happy new year and presenting gifts. They arrived at Truong Sa town at dawn. The loudspeaker on the HQ561 ship, which was about to dock, encouraged all members to go out onto the deck to see the green island.

Mr. Nguyen Chau Thanh, a journalist at Long An Newspaper, shared his experiences from his first trip to sea as part of a working group. The group visited the soldiers and residents on outpost islands of the Truong Sa archipelago to celebrate Tet and distribute gifts. He expressed deep emotions and pride at the opportunity to step foot on these sacred islands of the Fatherland. “All the fatigue from the journey through strong winds and waves seemed to vanish when we finally saw the Truong Sa archipelago gradually coming into view in the distance. My first visit to the archipelago is truly the most unforgettable moment of my life. My colleagues and I eagerly anticipated this moment. Seeing the soldiers and residents on the island greet us warmly as our ship arrived made all the seasickness fade away in pure joy,” Mr. Nguyen Chau Thanh said.

Spring and Tet are sacred moments for everyone to reunite and gather with family. But on the border and islands, many officers and soldiers are day and night holding their guns firmly at the "front line" to protect the sacred sovereignty of the Fatherland. The love from the mainland towards the officers, soldiers, and people of the island brought the "warmth of spring" to Truong Sa.

As we prepare to welcome the new spring during Lunar New Year 2025, we had the opportunity to meet Private Vu Thanh Tho, who lives in Chanh Phu Hoa Ward, Ben Cat City, Binh Duong. He shared that when he first received his assignment to the island, he felt very confused. However, with the support and care of the officers and fellow soldiers, he has adjusted well and now considers Truong Sa his second home. He regards his teammates and the island's residents as his loved ones. Mr. Tho expressed that when news arrived that a delegation from the mainland would be visiting to wish the soldiers and island residents a happy new year, everyone on the island was eagerly looking forward to this moment.

Amidst the soothing sounds of ocean waves and the steady rain, young soldier Vu Thanh Tho expressed that this was the first time he and many of his teammates were celebrating Tet away from home and the mainland. Despite the circumstances, everyone felt happy and warm when a visiting delegation arrived to wish them a happy new year. Since I was from Binh Duong and on a work trip, Tho joyfully shared that the visitors were like his family coming from Binh Duong to the island to celebrate Tet holiday with him.

Welcoming spring amidst the sea and islands of our homeland is challenging to put into words. However, every member of the delegation felt the warmth of love emanating from the mainland. It was a meaningful spring filled with affection shared between the soldiers and the people on Truong Sa Island. As the time to say goodbye approached, young soldier Vu Thanh Tho asked us to convey his gratitude to the mainland, extend New Year wishes to everyone across the country, and express his hopes for a joyful and happy spring to his family in Binh Duong.

A special school

During our visit to the Truong Sa archipelago to wish a happy Lunar New Year in 2025 to officers, soldiers, and local residents, we had the opportunity to meet the teachers and students of Truong Sa Town Primary School. This unique school is located at the forefront and is well-built and fully equipped.

The school consists of two blocks, accommodating both kindergarten and primary school classes. Each classroom is spacious, measuring about 40 square meters. The school currently serves only nine students, who are the children of local residents. There is no formal board of directors; instead, the school is staffed by two dedicated male teachers who are passionate about education. These educators have volunteered from the mainland to teach in Truong Sa, demonstrating their commitment to the community.

During our conversation, Mr. Le Xuan Hanh, the teacher responsible for the primary school class, shared that he had been assigned to the island from the mainland for two years. Due to the small number of students, the class is organized into an elementary school block. Although the children sit together during class time, each student is taught according to their respective grade level.

"I felt a deep sense of concern for the children when I arrived. The learning conditions here are not as good as those on the mainland, yet the students are all very well-behaved and consistently strive to excel in their studies. Their dedication is a source of happiness and encouragement for us, motivating us to overcome challenges and fulfill our responsibilities effectively," Mr. Hanh expressed.

Lieutenant Colonel Can Ngoc Son, Commander and Chairman of People's Committee of Truong Sa Town (Truong Sa Island District, Khanh Hoa Province), stated that after completing the 4th-grade program in Truong Sa, all children are arranged to go to the mainland to continue their education in the 5th grade. Although the teaching and learning conditions in the Truong Sa archipelago are still not as advanced as those on the mainland, the teachers and students on the island have demonstrated a strong spirit of overcoming difficulties and have achieved commendable educational results. They closely adhere to the curriculum set forth by the Ministry of Education and Training. The government, military, and local community of the Truong Sa archipelago invest significant affection, resources, and support—both material and spiritual—into caring for the children, ensuring they have the best possible learning environment.

“With the support and guidance of the People's Council and the People's Committee of Truong Sa town, efforts have been made to ensure that children can study according to the curricula set by the Ministry of Education and Training. With the dedication of teachers, as well as the assistance of the military and local residents, the children are provided with the best possible learning conditions," Lieutenant Colonel Can Ngoc Son shared.

Our visit to the "special school" in Truong Sa, although brief, left us with a deep emotional impact as we witnessed the determination of the teachers and students to overcome challenges. As we said goodbye to the teachers and students, their cheerful and innocent voices blended with the sound of waves, creating a beautiful melody of love for their homeland and the sea islands. The dedication of teachers on this remote island, all for the sake of their beloved students and a close-knit school community, further strengthens the affection between the mainland and the soldiers and people living on the island.

 Reported by Minh Duy - Translated by Ngoc Huynh