A teacher in Hanoi has called on pupils and parents to give them money instead of flowers on the Teachers' Day on November 20 so that they can have more funds for charitable activities.

Dao Tuan Dat

Dao Tuan Dat, head of Einstein High School, has surprised many people after calling for money gifts instead of flowers.

"Please give us envelopes with money on this November 20," he announced.

According to Dat, the teachers want to use the money and what they and the pupils have been able to raise so far by doing extra shifts, selling food and singing at the Hoan Kiem Lake to buy blankets for the teachers and pupils at Phu Nhi Commune Primary School in Muong Lat District, Thanh Hoa Province.

They hope to bring encouragements to the children and co-workers in the mountainous areas. 

"Just by living and working in a border area are teachers, pupils and border guards protecting our land. We’re grateful to them with our hearts," he wrote.

When being asked about the request, Dat said that on Teachers' Day, parents and pupils often bring flowers and gifts to the teachers. Dat said that the flowers were wasteful and the money could be used for something else.

"I'd rather calling for everyone to give money and the teachers and parents will make plans. We'll buy blankets for the teachers in mountainous areas," he said.

The teachers and pupils at Einstein School have been very supportive and helped the school raise funds.

Even though Dat's request for money gifts may be misunderstood, Dat said such thoughts were not the issue. As November 20 is Teachers' Day it is more important to help other teachers and pupils, he said.

Lao Dong/Dtinews