If age and experience are anything to go by, these pupils in Hanoi really are top of the class. Once a week the elderly learners meet up to have English lessons. Aged between 60 and 86, the silver-haired students are living proof that you’re never too old to learn.

Located in a small alley on Kim Nguu Street, this class opens once a week.
Most of the students are retired.
Women come to class in ao dai (Vietnamese traditional gown) as a way to show their respect to teachers and remind them of their days in school.
Their eagerness to learn as well as the lively atmosphere in the classroom impresses young people.
Although the acquisition of vocabulary is limited, teachers are very enthusiastic.
Some days the class lasts for over 2 hours, but students learn a few words.
This is not only a classroom but also a family.
An older man who lives nearly 10km from the classroom has never skipped a class.
The students diligently take notes throughout the lesson.
Mrs. Nguyen Van Anh, 82, is the only male student in the class. He said the class is special in that free books are provided, and the teacher enthusiastically helps retirees like him and his wife find joy in their old age.
The free English classes were founded by Venerable Thich Chan Quang in 2019 in many provinces and cities across the country, with the hope of providing joy, motivation, and a sense of community. 

Hoang Thanh