Tra Linh Ethnic Minority Boarding Primary and Lower Secondary School is the first of 11 inter-level boarding schools to be built in Cao Bang. (Photo: Duy Thai/VOV-Northeast Region)

Seventh-grader Dam Nong Quynh Chi excitedly walked through rows of new classrooms with freshly painted walls. The classrooms are spacious and well equipped with new desks and chairs, televisions and projectors. Chi said she felt joyful and a little nervous, as this is the first time she has lived away from her parents and stayed at a boarding school.

“I am very happy to study at a large, well-equipped school. The good learning conditions here motivate me to study harder.”

9th grader Nong Lam Vinh says he is impressed with the computer room, where he and his classmates will study STEM education. “At this school, I will learn and experience many new things. The classrooms have televisions, and the computer room is large. We’ll have better conditions for studying.”

Tra Linh Ethnic Minority Boarding Primary and Lower Secondary School has a large computer room. (Photo: Duy Thai/VOV-Northeast Region)

The students' excitement also brings peace of mind to their parents. Ms Nong Thi Ngan, of Hung Quoc 2 hamlet, said. “We feel reassured sending our children to this school, where they have the best possible conditions for learning. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the authorities, forces and local people who supported the construction of the school.”

Tra Linh Ethnic Minority Boarding Primary and Lower Secondary School began construction early this year, with a total investment of nearly 10 million USD. The school has 31 classrooms, with a capacity of 1,165 students, and other learning spaces, administrative offices, a dormitory, staff housing and a canteen.

The new school has 31 classrooms, with a capacity of 1,165 students. (Photo: Duy Thai/VOV-Northeast Region)

Nong Thi Thuy, Principal of Tra Linh Ethnic Minority Boarding Primary and Lower Secondary School, said: “All the students and parents are very excited and happy to study in the well-equipped school. The teachers are extremely happy. Thanks to the support of the Party and State, the teachers are highly motivated and determined to strive for better academic results.”

Tra Linh Ethnic Minority Boarding Primary and Lower Secondary School is the first of 11 inter-level boarding schools to be built in Cao Bang. Children in border areas will be able to attend schools closer to home, where they can receive better care and study in a safe environment.