(VOVworld) – Nguyen Thi Hien is Principal of the private Doan Thi Diem Elementary School in Hanoi. She was honored as one of Hanoi’s 10 most outstanding individuals of 2014 on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the city’s liberation. VOV’s Nguyen Hien reports:
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The Doan Thi Diem school was established in 1997 under the auspices of Hanoi University. Hien used to be a Russian teacher and at that time she lacked managerial skills so she had to study the models of other schools in the same district. Hien was determined to build a school that would nurture students’ talents, potentials, affections, and concern for others. The school has overcome numerous difficulties to become one of the best schools in Hanoi with 400 teachers and more than 3,000 students. Emeritus teacher Nguyen Thi Hien said: “Whenever I enter the school, many students come to greet me. Once when my leg was broken, I had to walk to school on crutches. A first or second grader came and offered to carry my bag. I was very moved. The teachers in our school are a family. The teachers, students, and their parents gave me the strength to build the reputation of Doan Thi Diem school.”
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Very few people know of the losses and grief behind teacher Hien’s smile. Despite suffering from cancer, Hien is absolutely dedicated to her work. She says those involved in education must have a pure heart because they can affect an entire generation. Hien has passed her enthusiasm and passion for education on to generations of teachers and students at Doan Thi Diem school. Pham Thanh Luong, Secretary of the school’s Youth Union, said: “Our school has achieved much success under the guidance of Emeritus teacher Hien. Her colleagues have learned from her affection for the students. Hien is very decisive and conscientious. We really admire her.”
One of the things that made a name for Doan Thi Diem school was that the school in addition to teaching talented students, promotes a healthy lifestyle. 5th grader Nguyen Hoang Bao Lan said: “Teacher Hien likes to share with us. She is a teacher of great affection. We wish her good health so that we can learn more from her.”
Although Hien is in her 70s now, she is still enthusiastic about education in the city where she was born and raised.