Tiếng Việt
5 a.m. Hanoi was still half asleep. The “Bringing Tết to the Children in the Highlands” bus of Jellyfish quietly rolled onto the road, carrying boxes of gifts and the overflowing excitement of people heading for Cổ Lũng, Bá Thước, Thanh Hóa for the very first time.
The road to the village was rough, one steep slope after another, curve after curve. Yet strangely, the deeper and farther we went, the more excited we became. Perhaps because everyone was imagining the moment we would meet those crystal-clear eyes at a small school nestled in the vast mountains.
At 11 a.m., we arrived at the main school site. The gentle smiles of Mr. Tình – Vice Principal of Lũng Cao Primary School, and the teachers were the first things that welcomed our group. Without resting for long, he hopped on his motorbike to lead us another 5 kilometers to Pốn Thành Công, the first sub-school.
And then, that moment came. Tiny children sat neatly in their classroom, wide-eyed as they watched us step inside. Some were thin and fragile, some wore clothes far too big for their small bodies, yet their smiles were bright and pure, making it impossible to look away.
The program took place in a warm and intimate atmosphere. There was no big stage, no grand sound system. The children lined up patiently, waiting for their names to be called. Small hands hugged their gifts tightly. Shy eyes slowly lit up with joy. Most kindergarten kids were barely one meter tall; primary school students were only slightly taller, still as petite as candy sticks. Some hid shyly behind their friends, while others waved enthusiastically at the camera, laughing, playing around, and filling the space with innocent energy.
Leaving Pốn Thành Công behind, we continued to Cao Hoong. Here, there was a small playground with old swings and seesaws. The children were playing happily, barely noticing our arrival. From the classroom, you could even see a “million-dollar” mountain view, so who, really, is richer? Interestingly, this sub-school had only one boy, handsome and standing out among many girls.
From Cao Hoong, we rushed to the final stop: Kịt village. The road remained steep and bumpy. Though newly paved with concrete, it was already uneven and broken in places. Along the way, the teacher told us that tigers had been spotted in this area before. Everyone fell silent. And yet, those tiny children still walk this road to school every day.
When we arrived, the children were already lined up, waving excitedly. Kịt school had a larger playground, but the classrooms were only temporary structures made of thin metal sheets. Mr. Tình shared his concerns about electrical hazards and safety during stormy seasons. Fortunately, the school will soon be rebuilt with stronger concrete buildings. Still, for now, the shortages remain: not enough classrooms, not enough teachers, not even enough basic facilities.
Listening to him, all we could do was nod quietly. In that moment, we realized that the gifts we brought, though filled with love, were only a tiny part compared to what the teachers and students here truly need. Yet despite all the hardships, what the teachers cherish most is the care and companionship from organizations, volunteers, and kind-hearted supporters.
As evening fell, we had to hurry back to Hanoi. We said goodbye to small waving hands and lingering eyes. As the bus rolled away, we left behind children’s laughter, and carried within us a long, quiet silence.
The journey “Bringing Tết to the Children in the Highlands” came to a smooth and fulfilling end, but it left us with many questions: Did the children like their gifts? Did those presents help them feel warmer and more complete during Tết? When cold winds sweep through the mountains, do they still shiver in their classrooms? When the rain comes, can those tin roofs really protect them?
We don’t have all the answers. But one thing is certain: this journey taught us to cherish what we have, and reminded us that somewhere deep in the mountains, small dreams are still waiting to be supported.
And if every journey carries just a little more love, then spring will arrive in these villages sooner, warmer, and last longer.
This journey was made possible thanks to the “Bringing Tết to the Children in the Highlands” charity program, the “Future of Children – Pride of the Nation” Scholarship Fund, and the generous support and co-organization of Jellyfish Vietnam and New B. We sincerely thank every kind heart that helped create such a meaningful and loving journey.
