An emotional journey to a remote school
A recent viral video captured a young woman crying on a rugged, deserted mountain road. The clip quickly gained attention when viewers learned she was a teacher assigned to work at a remote school. Many sympathised with the difficulties teachers and students face in these challenging areas.
Speaking to Dantri/Dtinews reporters, Nong Thi Thu Diu, 24, confirmed that she was the woman in the video.
Teacher Nong Thi Thu Diu.
Diu is a preschool teacher at Ta Xay School in Xuan Truong commune, Bao Lac district. The video, filmed on February 10, 2025, unexpectedly drew widespread interest online.
Diu graduated from Hanoi National University of Education's Early Childhood Education programme in 2024. Her hometown is about 140 km from her workplace. Due to the distance, she rents near the school and commutes 10 km daily by motorbike on rough, winding mountain paths.
"On the morning of February 10, I went to Bao Lac town to receive my official teaching assignment. That afternoon, a male friend offered to take me to visit the school," Diu recalled. "The road was treacherous, filled with steep passes and sharp bends, making my heart race multiple times."
The video was filmed as Diu attempted to ride a short stretch of the road, struggling with the unexpectedly harsh terrain.
"I had mentally prepared myself for a difficult assignment in a remote area, but the reality was even tougher than I had imagined. Seeing the challenging route to school, I felt deeply for the children who must endure this daily journey in their pursuit of education."
The residents are 100 percent H'mong ethnic people, living in challenging conditions with limited access to clean water. Thinking about the difficulties these children and their families face, I couldn't hold back my tears. I also felt a bit anxious about the road ahead at that moment," she admitted.
Embracing the challenges of teaching in a remote area
Ta Xay School has preschool and primary education levels. Diu and another teacher are responsible for teaching and overseeing the students' daily meals at the boarding school.
She teaches children aged 3 to 5. After two weeks, she has gradually adapted to her new environment. On weekends, she practices riding her motorbike over the steep slopes and hairpin bends to build confidence on the road.
"For teachers like me, the biggest challenge isn't the treacherous journey — it's ensuring that students attend school regularly. My goal is to equip them with knowledge so that, in the future, they can contribute to the development of their hometown," she shared.
From a young age, Diu dreamed of becoming a teacher. In 2024, she was among the top five students who graduated with honours in her programme at Hanoi National University of Education. Instead of pursuing a master's degree and a potential career as a university lecturer, she returned to her home and taught in a remote mountainous region.
"When I decided to return home, many people tried to dissuade me. But I was determined to follow my dream of teaching in the land where I was born and raised," Diu said.
Seeing her dedication, local parents frequently check in on her and offer support, motivating her to stay committed to her work.
Diu and her students.
By sharing her video, Diu hopes to preserve memories of her journey and inspire other teachers to stay resilient and dedicated to their students.
"Reading the comments from other teachers, I learned that some have to travel three to four hours just to reach their schools in remote villages. That made me realise how lucky I am compared to many others. No matter how difficult the conditions, we must give our best — all for the sake of our beloved students," Diu expressed.
