Phung Thi Hai Yen, born in 1992, originally from Vinh Phuc, now part of Phu Tho province, has been teaching English to elderly learners free of charge for the past seven years. Over that time, she has devoted countless hours to preparing lesson plans, teaching and assessing her students - gathering a wealth of moving and deeply human stories along the way.

The class began by chance. In 2019, while attending a talk at a pagoda, Yen learned about a programme offering free English lessons to elderly people. Inspired by the idea, she volunteered to join as a teacher.

She was surprised by the overwhelming enthusiasm of the learners. At one point, nearly 500 elderly participants registered. Information was shared through chat groups, and classes were held in participants’ homes. Yen and her peers developed teaching materials and took turns leading sessions.

That year, Yen managed two classes - one on Kim Nguu Street held on Thursday afternoons, and another on Nguyen Chi Thanh Street on Saturday mornings. At times, classes attracted 70 to 80 learners, requiring the use of pagoda space to accommodate them.

Her “students” ranged widely in age, from 60 to as old as 88, yet all showed remarkable diligence and seriousness. Yen herself, passionate about teaching, continued to deepen her own knowledge to better support her learners.

Over time, as her friends became busy and stepped away, Yen remained. Her classes have continued without interruption for seven years, never lacking students.

She now teaches three classes in Nguyen Chi Thanh, Xa Dan and Minh Khai, each with around 15 to 20 learners. Sessions are held in residents’ homes or community spaces in apartment buildings, with two classes on Saturday mornings and one on Monday evenings.

Giving knowledge, receiving joy

After seven years, Yen says the joy she has received is immeasurable.

In the early days, teaching posed many challenges. With declining hearing and eyesight, elderly learners often struggled to follow lessons. Yen had to speak loudly, write in larger text and adjust her pace.

At times, she would spend two hours introducing just a single new word, only to find her students still unsure. Some became discouraged and considered giving up after just a few sessions.

“I told them: ‘Forgetting after learning is normal. If you remembered everything immediately, you would be superheroes. Let’s just be normal people together,’” Yen recalled with a smile. The light-hearted encouragement helped restore their confidence.

Each class gradually evolved into a warm and lively gathering. Yen often brings seasonal treats - ice cream, fruit or snacks - to share. In return, the learners bring homemade dishes, turning lessons into moments of connection and care.

Over time, the classroom has become a meaningful social space, where elderly participants can enjoy companionship and rediscover a sense of purpose.

“Their passion for learning never ceases to amaze me,” Yen said. “Once, Hanoi was flooded after heavy rain. I thought no one would come. But when I arrived, they were all there. Their clothes were soaked, so they wrapped themselves in blankets and continued studying.”

Some students attend despite physical pain, slowly climbing stairs to reach the classroom. Others have asked to leave hospital briefly just to join a lesson. There are even those who quietly battled serious illness, never telling Yen, until their passing left the class in shock and sorrow.

Witnessing such dedication has deepened Yen’s understanding of how much the class means to her students.

Nguyen Thi Lan, born in 1951 and class leader of the Nguyen Chi Thanh group, said the class has become a second family after seven years.

“Yen is dedicated and truly cares for her students. We are old and sometimes forgetful, but she remains patient and kind, even bringing us small gifts. Her enthusiasm inspires us.

This class takes us back to childhood, to the days of learning each letter. To have such joyful moments at this stage of life is more than we could ask for,” Lan said.

That appreciation continues to motivate Yen to sustain the classes. For her, genuine respect and care for the elderly naturally lead to meaningful ways of bringing them joy - and for the past seven years, teaching has been her way of doing just that.

According to Nguyen Van The, born in 1959 and secretary of a local residential party unit in Tuong Mai ward, the free English class for elderly residents was launched in 2023 at a community space in a residential building.

“The class operates under the guidance of local organisations and the elderly association. When Yen proposed the idea, it received strong support as a meaningful initiative promoting lifelong learning.

Participants are dedicated and actively contribute to community activities as well,” he said.

Thanh Minh - Nguyen Hanh