(VOVWORLD) - The Chu Pah District Boarding Secondary School for Ethnic Minorities in Gia Lai province was established 25 years ago. The school, located in an extremely disadvantaged area, has been a role model of Gia Lai's education sector.
 The gate of the Chu Pah District Boarding Secondary School for Ethnic Minorities. (Photo: Ngoc Anh) |
The boarding school has 20 teachers and 150 students, divided into 4 classes from grade six to grade nine. Its fully-equipped facilities include a spacious campus and dormitory, a sports area, and a library.
Principal Nguyen Trong Vinh noted plans for further enhancements, such as a swimming pool, saying,“Our students come from 6 ethnic groups, mainly Jrai and Bana. In the morning, they study academic subjects. There are remedial classes in the afternoon and extracurricular classes in the evening.”
“The sixth graders are given books, clothing, blankets, and mosquito nets. Every Saturday evening, they are taught life skills and things like knitting, embroidery, and sewing,” Vinh elaborated.
 The school library (Photo: Ngoc Anh) |
The school ensures that the students’ well-being is prioritized. Menus are varied with extra dishes such as noodles and vermicelli added to Thursday and Sunday lunch.
“Our classes and accommodations are very good. Each class has a smart TV that helps us look up useful information. We have a place to do physical exercise to maintain our health,” said Jrai 9th grader Ro Cham Tra.
Teacher Do Thi Phuong, with 24 years of experience at the school, emphasizes the importance of nurturing independence among newcomers.
“The 6th graders are fresh to the school so we teach them how to live independently. The teachers are like their second parents, taking care of them in every small way. Because most of the students are from an ethnic minority, we have to explain things more carefully so they don’t misunderstand the lesson,” said Phuong.
The school pays close attention to the emotional life of the students. Its library has been certified by the Ministry of Education and Training.
Teacher Vu Thi Thu Huong said that the library has plenty of books and newspapers to support both learning and entertainment. There are also reference books and annual exam questions which are archived to serve as self-study resources.
 The students rehearse a gong and xoang performance. (Photo: Ngoc Anh) |
In addition to practicing physical exercise, the students are taught the typical sports of their ethic groups to maintain their cultural identity. When cultural events are held in Chu Pah district, the school's art troupe is often invited. Every Saturday afternoon, the students participate in gong and xoang dance performances.
“Gong and xoang performers are invited to teach us. Now we know how to play gongs and the girls can dance the xoang. These cultural activities inspire us to preserve and promote our cultural identity,” Jrai 9th grader A Jak said.
The Chu Pah District Boarding Secondary School for Ethnic Minorities has been recognized as meeting national standards.