Lam Dong celebrates the new school year

A vibrant start to the new school year in Lam Dong

From Da Lat, Gia Nghia and Phan Thiet to remote and border areas such as Quang Truc, Thuan An, Tuy Duc and Dam Rong, as well as Phu Quy Special Zone, colorful flags and flowers lined the roads leading to schools.

The festive atmosphere was everywhere, from schools in urban areas to campuses serving ethnic minority communities.

Students in new uniforms, with red scarves around their shoulders, eagerly walked through school gates. In many ethnic minority areas, the red of the national flag blended with the traditional brocade costumes worn by K’Ho, Cil, Chu Ru and M’Nong students, creating an opening day that was both vibrant and rich in cultural identity.

A solemn, simple and emotional celebration

At exactly 7:30 a.m., opening ceremonies were held at all levels of education. Following guidance from the education sector, the ceremonies were kept simple and solemn, with students at the center, and lasted about an hour.

At schools across the province, following the flag-raising ceremony, teachers and students observed a solemn moment as they listened to the letter from the General Secretary and President to the education sector.

Then came the sound of the school drum, ringing out with excitement and anticipation.

The drumbeat marked the beginning of a new journey, filled with confidence, expectations and a determination to embrace innovation.

Dreams take shape at boarding schools

The atmosphere at ethnic minority boarding schools was equally vibrant. Traditional costumes, laughter and cultural performances brought a distinctive character to the first day of the new academic year.

At Lam Dong Provincial Ethnic Minority Boarding Lower and Upper Secondary School, sixth-grader Ro Ong K Thien Kim from Lac Duong Commune eagerly shared his goals for the new school year: to behave well, study hard and actively participate in school activities.

For 12th-grader Ko Sa Ne Va, this year's opening ceremony was especially meaningful as it was her final first day of school as a high school student.

“I am very proud to perform at my final school opening ceremony. I promise myself that I will work hard in my studies and develop my talents so that I can pursue my dreams,” Ne Va said.

At N’Trang Lơng Ethnic Minority Boarding High School in Dong Gia Nghia Ward, more than 500 students from 40 ethnic groups welcomed the new academic year in traditional costumes.

Vang Thi Xuan, a H’Mong student in Class 10A1, said the boarding-school environment had taught her to take care of herself and become more independent in everyday life.

“I want to pass the university entrance exam, so I will work hard from Grade 10 so that my parents do not have to worry,” Xuan said.

New schools, new beginnings

One notable feature of this year's opening day was the combination of school opening ceremonies with the inauguration of inter-level boarding schools in mainland border communes.

In Thuan An, the joy of teachers and students was doubled as the new inter-level boarding primary and secondary school was officially inaugurated and put into operation. The school has 30 classrooms and can accommodate around 900 students for both study and boarding.

New classrooms, recreational areas and modern boarding facilities became a special highlight on the first day of the academic year.

Experiencing the new learning environment firsthand, student Pham Thi Khanh Bang could hardly hide her excitement.

“I am very happy that the new school has fully equipped classrooms, recreational areas and modern boarding facilities. I hope this academic year will bring many beautiful memories with my teachers and friends,” she said.

From new schools in border areas, the story of a new academic year comes to life through students' joy, parents' expectations and teachers' dedication.

Bui Huu Truc, a teacher at Tran Hung Dao High School for the Gifted in Phu Thuy Ward, said: “As the new academic year begins, I hope every teacher will take greater responsibility and continue innovating teaching methods so that students can learn better, teachers can teach more effectively, and we can contribute to developing human resources for the country.”

Outside the classrooms, the sound of the opening drum has faded.

The flags continue to wave in the early morning sunlight.

From the highlands and coastal areas to the border regions, a new academic year has begun — with vibrant colors, eager eyes and dreams waiting to be written.

Lam Dong News