Hon Chuoi Island teacher provides free education for 16 years

On Hon Chuoi Island, a remote location approximately 17 nautical miles from the mainland, Lieutenant Colonel Tran Binh Phuc of the Hon Chuoi Border Guard Station has provided free education for over 16 years.

The island, home to 225 residents living in steep, rocky terrain without a national power grid or running water, relies heavily on fishing. Due to the island's geography, residents must move their homes twice a year to avoid seasonal winds.

In the island's sole classroom, Lieutenant Colonel Phuc manages five different grade levels (from Grade 1 to Grade 5) simultaneously using three separate blackboards. Beyond teaching literacy, Phuc assists students by providing school supplies, clothing, and support for local celebrations. He often navigates steep cliffs to reach the school and has been known to carry students up the slopes to ensure they can attend classes.