From Nam’s Scars to a Boarding School Full of Dreams at the Foot of Mau Son

Hoang Bao Nam hugged a new blanket as he joined other pupils receiving supplies at a free goods stall on the first day of school. For the nine-year-old, the new academic year marks his first time living in a dormitory and studying at a spacious, modern school, something he once did not dare to dream about.

Nam still feels self-conscious about the scars covering his face. About two years ago, a burn accident after dinner forced him to stop attending school and travel to Hanoi for treatment. He now studies one year behind children his age.

His father, Hoang Rao Thong, remembers taking him nearly 200 kilometers to the National Burns Hospital. The parents took turns caring for their son and borrowed money to cover medical expenses. On opening day, Thong woke at 4 a.m. to prepare his son’s toothbrush, clothes and milk before taking him to school. His main concern, he said, was whether Nam could adjust to the new environment.

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He has already suffered a lot. I only hope he becomes more confident, gets along with his classmates and tries hard in his studies.

“Con has already suffered a lot. I only hope he becomes more confident, gets along with his classmates and tries hard in his studies,” Thong said. Nam’s teacher, Tran Bich Phuong, said the class has 35 pupils, mainly from the Dao and Nung ethnic groups. Teachers plan to pay close attention to him and create activities that help him mix with his classmates.

“We always remind students to love and help one another without discrimination,” Phuong said. She added that Nam enjoys drawing and that teachers would help him develop that interest. The new school includes a dedicated art room, as well as sports, swimming, foreign-language and computer facilities, offering a new setting for more than 1,200 ethnic minority pupils in the mountainous area.

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We always remind students to love and help one another without discrimination.