The ceremony for the Sunflower Class took place in the hospital lobby, punctuated by the faint sound of patient names being called for appointments. The children, dressed in blue pants and white shirts, stood at attention for the flag salute and national anthem. They received backpacks, notebooks, and scholarships before moving to their small classroom in the pediatric ward.
Among the children, 15-year-old My Anh is a "veteran student," having spent over 10 years with the class. Diagnosed with a brain tumor at just over three years old, she has endured major surgery and continuous treatment. The cancer later metastasized to her bones, transforming her childhood into a constant cycle of IV drips, medications, and hospital beds. My Anh continues outpatient treatment, and she and her mother rent a room near the hospital for easy access to follow-up appointments and classes every Tuesday and Friday afternoon.
"I'm so happy to be in class. My favorite subjects are math and literature," My Anh shared with a smile. Never having attended a regular school like her peers, she learned to read, write, and do basic arithmetic thanks to the consistent lessons in this volunteer-run classroom. This year, My Anh advanced to the 4th grade.
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Healthier children participate in the opening day flag ceremony at Ho Chi Minh City Oncology Hospital, 4/9. Photo: Hong Diem |
Healthier children participate in the opening day flag ceremony at Ho Chi Minh City Oncology Hospital, 4/9. Photo: Hong Diem
Dr. Diep Bao Tuan, Director of Ho Chi Minh City Oncology Hospital, explained that the Sunflower Class has operated within the hospital for 16 years, supported by volunteer teachers and generous donors. This special class caters to child patients of various ages. It not only helps them keep up with their education, preventing disruptions when they return home, but also provides significant emotional support during their treatment.
"We hope that one day, when they are healthy and return home, they can confidently reintegrate and continue their schooling," Dr. Tuan said.
Dinh Thi Kim Phan, 69, a teacher since the program's inception, said the class currently maintains an average of 40 students, who attend on Tuesday and Friday afternoons. The students range from five to 17 years old. Some children, even while receiving infusions, ask to go to class so they don't miss a lesson. Initially, the class had around eight retired teachers; now, three teachers alternate, assisted by volunteers.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, when the hospital closed, the class transitioned to online learning. In 2022, the teachers resumed in-person classes in the patient housing area. In 9/2023, a small classroom was inaugurated in the new pediatric ward at the hospital's upgraded facility, marking two years since its return.
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Approximately 40 student patients undergoing treatment at Ho Chi Minh City Oncology Hospital attended the opening ceremony, some in wheelchairs. Photo: Hong Diem |
Approximately 40 student patients undergoing treatment at Ho Chi Minh City Oncology Hospital attended the opening ceremony, some in wheelchairs. Photo: Hong Diem
Many students arrive with long hair, which disappears after a few months of chemotherapy. Some children, while diligently working on math problems, have to return to their hospital rooms due to fever or fatigue. IV stands are always available in the classroom, allowing students to receive treatment while practicing their writing. Hundreds of notebooks are kept here, some filled with the joy of children recovering and returning home to continue their studies, others left unfinished forever, belonging to those who did not survive.
Despite her age and the long commute by bus, Ms. Phan continues to bring education to these special students. "We maintain the class as a form of emotional therapy, helping the children stay optimistic and strong in their fight against illness," she shared.
The small classroom in the pediatric ward has witnessed countless stories, from the joy of hair growing back after chemotherapy to the sadness of children returning to their hospital beds due to illness. IV stands are readily available, enabling students to learn while receiving treatment. Hundreds of notebooks are carefully preserved, some complete with the joy of children recovering and going home to continue their studies, while others remain unfinished. The teachers' simple wish is for every child to learn, to write their name, and for dreams of becoming doctors and teachers, ignited in this very room, to never fade.
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Nguyen Phuoc Loc, Deputy Secretary of Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee and President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Ho Chi Minh City, attended the opening ceremony and escorted the children to their classroom. Photo: Hong Diem |
Nguyen Phuoc Loc, Deputy Secretary of Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee and President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Ho Chi Minh City, attended the opening ceremony and escorted the children to their classroom. Photo: Hong Diem
Le Phuong
Program Name: Your Name - Sun of Hope
Program ID: 195961
