Vietnamese School Rewards Top Students with Prized Ngoc Linh Ginseng Seedlings

In a heartwarming initiative, the Tra Nam Ethnic Boarding Primary and Secondary School in Tra Linh commune, Quang Nam province, has replaced traditional school supplies with a unique and meaningful reward for its high-achieving students. On May 29, the school celebrated its closing ceremony, honoring 51 students, eight from the secondary level and 43 from primary, who demonstrated exceptional academic performance.

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The reward is very meaningful, encouraging students' families to improve their lives through economic development.

Instead of the usual notebooks and pens, these students were presented with Ngọc Linh ginseng seedlings. Each of the 51 students received five 2-year-old ginseng plants, with each plant valued at 200,000 VND. This innovative approach, according to school principal Vo Dang Chin, was funded by the school's reward budget and supported by teachers who are also ginseng growers in the region. Tra Linh is known as the largest Ngọc Linh ginseng cultivation area in Quang Nam province.

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The school's initiative is truly commendable. Giving students a gift of Ngoc Linh ginseng is very appropriate for the region.

The decision to award ginseng seedlings was met with widespread approval from readers and parents. Many praised the initiative as practical and deeply meaningful, believing it would encourage families to improve their livelihoods. Readers noted that gifting ginseng is particularly fitting for the region and offers a creative alternative to conventional rewards. Some suggested that the ginseng, if cared for properly, could even fund the students' future university or vocational training.

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It's very practical and realistic. If the children and their families take good care of it, they can harvest the ginseng to pay for university or vocational training.

Concerns about the practicality of growing ginseng were addressed by the school. Principal Vo Dang Chin explained that before the distribution, the school consulted with parents and surveyed students. Approximately 90% of the recipients' families are already involved in ginseng cultivation. For those without their own gardens, arrangements were made for them to plant the seedlings with relatives. The school aims to instill in students a sense of environmental responsibility and provide a sustainable, long-term source of income, particularly for students from ethnic minority backgrounds who may face financial challenges in pursuing higher education.

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A good approach, connecting to the image of the homeland. Many schools in the city end the school year with flowers and gowns, like a university graduation, which is very wasteful. We only hope for simple organizations that reduce financial pressure on parents. Gifts from businesses that carry the meaning of scholarships or gifts representing the homeland are also good.