Day-boarders in mountainous areas

A new school-year has begun across the country. Highlands children in Muong Nhe district of the northern province of Dien Bien are preparing for life and schooling at a boarding school.

Teacher Duong Duy Dan, headmaster of the Na Bung elementary boarding school, said the school has 20 classrooms with 619 pupils, including 504 day boarders; however, there are only 23 boarding rooms, providing accommodation for only 228 pupils. Pupils from Huoi Dao or Vang Dan villages whose houses are about 25 kilometres from the school have to set up tents to live near the school.

Temporary tents are a familiar image along remote roads of Dien Bien province.

Pupils grow vegetables for their daily diet

Pupils must do the housework by themselves.

Each tent provides accommodation for 3-5 pupils.

Better housing in the boarding area; however, there is a limited number of rooms here.

Pupils review lessons in their rooms.

With support from the Government, pupils are given two meals per day.

A daily diet

Despite difficulties, going to school brings joy to highlands children.