The fragrant scent of tea leaves beside an open book

By Chau Doan 
Communication Manager 
Room to Read in Vietnam 

Kien's house is nestled among the rolling, winding tea hills of Thai Nguyen province. Amid the bent backs and low conical hats of his mother and neighbors picking tea on the hills, a noticeably tall boy moves swiftly beside his mother, helping her harvest tea leaves. After, his day is filled with schoolwork and community activities with other children in the village. 

Kien is a graduate of Room to Read's Literacy Program. Today, he is a Grade 12 student who excels in literature, communicates with confidence and eagerly engages in his community.

Let’s take a moment to talk with Kien about this journey! 

Hello Kien! When you think back on the Room to Read library after seven years, what stands out to you? 

When I was in primary school, the library left a strong impression on me as a very colorful place with many different kinds of books. Whenever I had free time, I would go to the library — sometimes to read, sometimes to help younger students read as a member of the Library Support Team. Even now, I still really enjoy reading, especially printed books. However, reading e-books has also become very familiar to me, since most of my peers access books this way. I usually switch between printed books and e-books. 

You once received the “Reading Star” award for reading 100 books a year in Grade 4. Are there any books you still remember?

I really liked the book “100 Vietnamese Folk Tales.” Among them, my favorite story was “Tam Cam.” At that time, I thought it was just a simple fairy tale, but as I grew older, I came to see how profound it truly is. The story brings together many different circumstances and reflects the fate of a woman living in a feudal society. Although she is talented and virtuous, her life is filled with hardship and uncertainty. As a boy, reading stories like this helped me better understand the position of women and the invisible constraints they endured within their families and in society. 

Which subject do you enjoy the most at school at the moment? 

I enjoy literature most. I am also strongest in literature. I think the most important reason is that I have read quite a lot since I was young, so choosing words does not feel too difficult for me. In addition, my literature teachers have given me extra guidance, helping me practice writing and learn how to use different forms of expression to make my essays more complete. 

Besides that, I also regularly take on the role of an MC for school activities. I feel very happy and honored when my teachers choose me to host different programs. Reading has helped me improve my public speaking skills. I'm now more inspiring, more concise, less repetitive. Reading also helps me recognize words very quickly, so when I practice and prepare for a speech, it does not take me too much time. 

What is your dream for the future?  

When I was in secondary school, my dream was to open a bookstore in my hometown. Now that I am a bit older, I feel that becoming a teacher suits me very well.

Once, I watched a video about a teacher from the big city who traveled to a mountainous area to teach adults. We often see teachers working with children, but this teacher chose to work with middle-aged and elderly people. Every time she picked up the chalk and wrote on the board, everyone listened attentively, and many adults set aside their daily work to come and learn the letters and numbers they had never had the chance to study as children.

This story deeply inspired me and encouraged me to work harder on my learning journey. I am now striving to enter Hanoi National University of Education, so that I can teach literacy and share the knowledge I have gained with others.  

Thank you so much, Kien! We wish you every success as you move step by step toward your dreams. 

Our conversation with Kien was not long, as he does not have much time at home. During the week, Kien studies and stays in town. Only on weekends can he return home to be with his mother, helping her with household chores and picking tea leaves.

There was a time when Kien was a small, shy boy, living alone with his mother in a quiet house in a remote village. Today, he has grown into a self-assured young man eager to continue learning, still carrying a gentle love for his mother, still returning home every weekend with a backpack full of books.