A doctor chose to settle down in his hometown in central Vietnam after retiring and opened a class where he has taught English for free to local children.

>> An audio version of the story is available here

Since 2012, a small house located in Quang Binh Province has become a destination for numerous children four afternoons per week.

In the house, 71-year-old Tran Huu Quy, former head of the Cardiology Department of the 115 People’s Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, is putting his heart into improving the English of children in his hometown.

“In an agricultural locality like my village, people do not pay too much attention to teaching English to children,” Quy said. “Children learn English just to pass their tests, not to gain knowledge.”

“I opened this class to provide them with basic knowledge of English as well as encourage their passion for the foreign language for their future,” he added.

To establish his class, Quy spent time consulting local English teachers about books and teaching methods before compiling his own lesson plans for his students.

He also bought chalkboards, tables and projectors for the class.

At first, the class attracted only around 10 students, but the number has risen ever since.

When the class reached 30 students, Quy and his wife held an opening ceremony with the participation of teachers from local schools, parents, and authorities.

He said a serious ceremony could show students how serious this class was, as well as how necessary it is.

Each course in Quy’s class lasts for four months and ends after students finish their final exams.

Around 250 students have “graduated” from Quy’s “school” so far.

“The English courses of Dr. Quy have been very useful for students,” Ha Duc Thuyet, principal of Vinh Ninh Elementary School, said. “We deeply appreciate his work.”

Tra My, an 8th grader from Vinh Ninh Middle School, said it is easy for her to learn with Dr. Quy. “Through Teacher Quy’s class, I have learned more English songs for children, as well as about British culture,” she said.

Quy does not charge any fee for his class. He also provides books for free to his students.

“The happiness of my old age is being loved by the children and seeing them enjoy studying,” Quy shared about his job.

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