A Happy School in Da Sar

According to Ms. Miki Nozawa, Head of the UNESCO Education Programme in Viet Nam, “Operating a happy school is a journey of love and creativity. Every student should feel joy, safety and respect when coming to school; every teacher should be supported to fulfill their educational mission with dedication; and parents should feel reassured that their children are learning in a caring and nurturing environment.” At Da Sar Primary School, this vision is being built and nurtured day by day.

UNESCO selected Da Sar Primary School as a pilot institution to launch the “Happy School” project in 2014. The project aims to promote happiness and the holistic development of learners, turning schools into nurturing spaces that value talent, foster individual strengths and embrace diverse learning outcomes for every student.

A happy school is one where affection and mutual respect among teachers and students, among students themselves, and among colleagues are cherished and cultivated daily. With nearly 80% of its students coming from ethnic minority communities, Da Sar Primary School not only focuses on teaching essential knowledge and skills, but also provides strong support to help students fully develop their potential, interests and passion for learning.

Beyond academic instruction, the school’s message emphasizes an open learning environment that offers opportunities for physical development, positive experiences and a relaxed atmosphere in which students are encouraged to explore and grow.

Mr. Tran Quang Thai, Principal of Da Sar Primary School, shared: “Our school environment is built around the principles of being safe, friendly and healthy, creating favorable conditions for students to study and develop. The campus is green, clean and spacious, ensuring hygiene and safety. Relationships within the school are maintained on the basis of respect and cooperation, with no signs of school violence, bullying or discrimination.”

Ms. Kră Jăn K’Phức, a teacher at the school, proudly noted: “Here, we focus on building a positive educational environment that encourages students’ initiative and creativity, while also placing strong emphasis on life skills, communication skills, and risk prevention. Teachers and staff are mindful of their responsibilities and serve as role models in conduct, helping to build trust among parents and students.”

From a parent’s perspective, Mr. Kră Jăn K’Plam, whose child is in class 3B, said that the school places great importance on strong coordination and close cooperation with both internal and external partners. “Community engagement activities are regularly maintained, including collaboration with parent associations, local authorities, mass organizations, businesses and charitable groups to organize experiential learning activities, life skills training, traditional education, as well as material and emotional support for students from disadvantaged backgrounds,” he said.

Da Sar Primary School stands as a truly comprehensive model, with a campus harmoniously integrated with nature and school facilities that are green, clean and beautiful. Here, a happy educational environment is thriving, aiming to create an ideal setting where both teachers and students feel fulfilled, develop positive behaviors and cultivate compassionate minds.

Joy and respect are regarded as fundamental conditions for building a strong educational foundation—one that enables both educators and learners to develop holistically, thereby fostering momentum toward a progressive and friendly future for schools.

According to Ms. Nguyen Thi Van Anh, Vice Principal of Da Sar Primary School, “This is truly a second home, where individual emotions, creativity and personal identities of both teachers and students are respected, without being constrained by rigid or outdated educational approaches. Moreover, the mission of a happy school extends beyond the campus, aiming to spread love and care to parents, families and society at large.”