Quang Tri’s “young teachers” bring English to life for local kids

Not letting summer slip by in vain, many students in Quang Tri have taken the initiative to teach English to younger children. Through each lesson, they not only gain more knowledge and skills but also gain valuable life experiences.

These days, Le Ngoc Minh, a student at Tran Hung Dao Secondary School in Dong Ha Ward, is actively preparing to launch an online English class to help younger students practice their presentation skills.

Earlier, at the end of June, a course on English communication and presentation skills co-organized by Minh and her close friend Truong Khanh An, a student at Nguyen Trai Secondary School, concluded with a joyful wrap-up session.

Students gathered in person, shared their reflections, and proudly demonstrated their progress. That success motivated the two to confidently open a new class.

Tran Thi Ha My during class. Photo: T.L

Minh said she began teaching English online in 2022 after being selected as a core member of an English club, where she was assigned to teach presentation and debate skills to younger learners. After a year of teaching, she accumulated valuable knowledge, practical skills, and experience.

Driven by a passion for English, Minh launched a debate class tailored for children in Quang Tri. In 2024, she followed up with a new course aimed at strengthening students’ public speaking and debating skills.

“This time, I decided to charge a tuition fee as a form of mutual commitment between me and the parents. The money I collect will be used to buy books for underprivileged children,” Minh shared.

Also trusted by parents as a “young teacher,” Tran Thi Ha My, born in 2012 and a student at Nguyen Trai Secondary School, teaches English online every Saturday to four students. With three years of teaching experience, My is confident in managing and organizing her classes.

She prepares her own lesson plans, integrates technology, and uses games to increase interaction, making each session lively and engaging.

Speaking about how she got into this work, My shared that she first heard about the “young teacher” recruitment program in 2023 through friends. After passing the selection round and completing the training, she began teaching and supporting younger students in their English learning. For her, it has been a meaningful and memorable journey.

In Quang Tri, students like Ngoc Minh, Khanh An, and Ha My are not rare exceptions. Most of them came to this unique role naturally after participating in clubs, teams, or training centers. From there, they gradually proved their abilities and were trusted with the responsibility of teaching and mentoring younger children.

Some even took the initiative to open their own classes. During summer breaks, when school is paused, they have more time to focus on developing their classes. With flexible programs, a balance between learning and play, and peer support, the “young teachers" run their sessions effectively and receive positive feedback from both students and parents.

Nguyen Quoc Toan, Deputy Secretary of the Quang Tri Provincial Youth Union and Chairman of the Vietnam Youth Federation in Quang Tri, described Ngoc Minh, Khanh An, and Ha My as exemplary figures representing the spirit of learning and sharing among the province’s youth.

Teaching experience helped Khanh An, Ngoc Minh, and their teammate Thanh Truc (holding the certificate, from right to left) win First Prize in the Olympia division at the 2025 Junior Philosophy Olympiad. Photo: Courtesy of the individuals

"Not only are they committed to their own growth, but they also create meaningful value by becoming “young teachers,” passing on knowledge and skills to younger peers,” Toan said.

“We hope their inspiring actions will motivate Quang Tri’s youth to innovate, create new models, and contribute more to the community.”

Learning from teaching

In a conversation with a reporter, Minh shared that her friends Khanh An and Tran Le Thanh Truc had recently won first prize in the Olympia division for grades 7 to 9 at the 2025 Junior Philosophy Olympiad, an English-language philosophy competition.

To beat competitors from prestigious schools, all three had to demonstrate sharp logic, communication skills, and precise language use.

“If we hadn’t spent time teaching younger students beforehand, we would’ve struggled in the competition,” Minh admitted.

An agreed, noting that teaching is both rewarding and challenging. She has learned to understand younger students’ learning needs and how to adapt her teaching methods accordingly. Still, she believes that to succeed, every “young teacher” must have subject knowledge, teaching skills, and a passion for education.

Online teaching demands even more. That’s why An and her friends constantly strive to improve their skills, ensuring that each student makes real progress. It’s also a journey of self-growth.

Discussing the benefits and challenges of teaching, My said she has learned a great deal from her time in the classroom. After being selected as a “young teacher,” she underwent formal training through clubs and learning centers.

Preparing lesson plans and leading sessions helped her gain hands-on experience. Engaging with students who share her passion for English has been a major motivation.

“I feel like I grow after every class. That’s why I always look forward to teaching just as much as my students do,” My shared.

Through their dedication to this unique role, Quang Tri’s “young teachers” have become more confident, mature, and responsible. Each of them finds joy in contributing in their own ways and has achieved more than they ever expected.

With the money they’ve earned, some have even teamed up with their students to participate in charity and community activities, further enriching the image of Quang Tri’s youth in this new era.

Quang Hiep - Hai Nguyen