Mountainous school repurposes warehouse, office as classrooms

By Thanh Nga   May 22, 2024 | 03:00 pm PT
Facing a shortage of classrooms and an increasing number of students, Chua Ta Primary School in Dien Bien Province has converted its warehouse and council room into temporary teaching spaces.
Mountainous school repurposes warehouse, office as classrooms

Chua Ta Primary Ethnic Boarding School in Phi Nhu Commune, Dien Bien Dong District is accommodating 437 students with only 15 classrooms. According to vice principal Pham Thi Phuong, the school is short of six classrooms, including those needed for music, art, and English classes.

Mountainous school repurposes warehouse, office as classrooms

The school has repurposed available spaces, setting up makeshift classrooms in the warehouse and council room.

"Wherever there is a roof, it will be used to make a classroom," Phuong said.

The classroom shortage has been ongoing since 2004. The school's students has increased by 100 this year alone.

Mountainous school repurposes warehouse, office as classrooms

A fifth-grade class with 36 students study in a 20-meter-long room previously used as a warehouse for documents, books, and supplies.

Their teacher Lo Van Chang needs to use a microphone for better audibility as the corrugated iron-roofed room is located adjacent to three other classes.

Mountainous school repurposes warehouse, office as classrooms

In addition to the noise, the heat is another challenge.

The teachers would be drenched in sweat under the corrugated iron roof when temperatures hit 37-38 degrees Celsius.

Chang purchased small electric fans to pass around the class, but they did not help much.

The corrugated iron roof is also unstable on rainy or windy days.

Mountainous school repurposes warehouse, office as classrooms

Some classrooms lack tables and chairs, requiring students to manage their own seating.

Mountainous school repurposes warehouse, office as classrooms

The council room, measuring over 50 square meters, has to be divided between a second-grade class and the computer room. Because of this, teachers often delay meetings until the room is free.

Teacher Hu A Chu, 40, noted the insufficiency of thin wooden partitions used to divide spaces, as they are not soundproof. “That being said, anything is better than nothing. If we had not utilized this space, the students would not have the opportunity to access technology at all," he said.

Mountainous school repurposes warehouse, office as classrooms

An iron-roofed part of the school yard doubles as an art and music classroom.

Art teacher Hoang Thi Lien, 38, regularly has to take students outside for lessons due to the lack of a dedicated room. "The sun is more often than not manageable. However, if it rains, we have to make use of the kitchen space or some sheltered areas," Lien said.

Mountainous school repurposes warehouse, office as classrooms

Struggling to paint with his easel swaying in winds, Sung A De dreams of a proper classroom, where he can draw without worrying about weather disruptions.

Mountainous school repurposes warehouse, office as classrooms

The boarding area is also severely overcrowded, housing over 265 students in three 40-sq,m rooms, with deteriorating ceilings and walls.

To improve educational opportunities for students in Dien Bien Dong District, Dien Bien Province, Hope Foundation continues to accept donations for the Schools of Sunshine program. Any contribution from the community means another ray of light sent to future generations of the country. Click here for further information on the program.

 
 
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