Hai Duong - a land of studiousness, where the spirit of learning and respect for knowledge has been deeply ingrained in the subconscious and in the historical flow of the nation. And that tradition will forever be passed down, becoming the driving force for future generations to continue to reach high, to reach far, to make their homeland and country famous.

In the long history, Hai Duong is famous for its tradition of learning and examinations when it had 486 doctors (in feudal times) who were the top in the country. The learning and examination tradition of this cultural land are not only recorded in history books but also preserved in many typical historical relics. Among them, Mao Dien Temple of Literature is the clearest symbol of the land of learning in the East. Through many dynasties, this place has become the examination school of the whole region, contributing to the education and training of many talented people and excellent scholars for the country.

With a tradition of learning, Hai Duong is the birthplace and gathering place of many famous historical figures. These figures not only bring glory to the land of the East but also contribute significantly to the history of national culture. Typical examples include: Vice-rector of the Imperial Academy Chu Van An, First-ranked Scholar of the Two Countries Mac Dinh Chi, National Hero, World Cultural Celebrity Nguyen Trai, Great Physician, Royal Student Tue Tinh, Vietnamese Math God Vu Huu, Royal Inspector Pham Su Menh, female Doctor Nguyen Thi Due... In addition, the people of the East are also proud to have "Mo Trach Doctoral Village" in Tan Hong Commune (Binh Giang) or the district with the most doctors in the country - Nam Sach.

According to Vice Chairman of the Provincial Association for Promotion of Education Nguyen Van Nhang, throughout the nation's history, Hai Duong has been famous as a land of "spiritual land and talented people". In any era, the Eastern region has produced talented people who have made important contributions to the cause of building and defending the country. Through many generations, the spirit of studiousness and the desire to advance have always been the pride of the Eastern people. Today, that spirit remains intact. Because this is the cultural identity, the value of the Hai Duong people that has been preserved for thousands of years.

Growing up in difficult circumstances, Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh in Kim Bang village, An Phu commune (Nam Sach) clearly understands the importance of studying. She always teaches her children and grandchildren to be diligent in practicing and trying to study to contribute to building their homeland and country. Following the tradition of their ancestors, all 3 generations in Ms. Thanh's family are attached to and devoted to medicine. Currently, she has 2 sons holding high positions in major hospitals.

To create a foundation for future generations, she proposed to establish a scholarship fund in the two families Nguyen Lam Xuyen (maternal family) and Le Kim Bang (paternal family) in An Phu commune (Nam Sach). From the above fund, each year dozens of students are recognized, rewarded, and encouraged in a timely manner. Currently, these two families are famous for their studiousness and high academic achievement in the locality.

At the age of 75, Ms. Thanh herself is still a shining example of hard work in studying. To keep up with the development of modern medicine, she constantly researches and learns new treatment methods. Thanks to that, she is not only good at modern medicine but also very proficient in traditional medicine. Throughout her career, she always puts "heart" first to treat patients. That is why people often call her by the affectionate name "Physician Nguyen Thi Thanh".

"Studying is not the only path to success, but it is the surest and safest path. I always encourage my children and grandchildren to study hard, practice, and cultivate morality to serve the people and the country," said Ms. Thanh.

If Ms. Thanh's family is a studious family, Mr. Pham Van Hat in Kim Doi village, Ngoc Ky commune (Tu Ky) is a representative of the desire to rise up. Although he only finished 7th grade, Mr. Hat has researched and explored to manufacture thousands of modern agricultural machines. The machines he produces are not only used domestically but also exported. In 2015, he was awarded the Third Class Labor Medal by the President. In 2024, he was the first farmer in Hai Duong to be included in 4th grade textbooks.

The greatest treasure of Mrs. Bui Thi Loan (90 years old) in Hau Bong village, Quang Duc commune (Gia Loc) is history books and stories about Uncle Ho. She can name every dynasty and king through the feudal periods of Vietnam as well as remember every story about Uncle Ho. To do this, every day she spends 4-5 hours reading books and updating news. Notably, despite her old age, she still skillfully uses a smartphone to research documents. Over the years, Mrs. Loan has always been a shining example for her children and grandchildren to learn from and follow.

Ms. Loan shared: “Society develops every day and so does learning. I do not want to be left behind in society, so I spend a lot of time reading books, updating news and researching Vietnamese history. New sources of information not only help me have a comprehensive view of life but also become my confidant when I am old."

It can be affirmed that the movements of studiousness and talent encouragement have helped Hai Duong achieve many successes in the career of "cultivating people". In recent years, learning models such as "Learning Clan", "Learning Family", "Learning Community", "Learning Unit", "Learning Citizen" ... have been increasingly replicated and promoted effectively, contributing to making Hai Duong a learning society. Thanks to that, in recent years, Hai Duong has always been in the top of the country in terms of education quality. Typically, at the National High School Excellent Student Competition for the 2024-2025 school year, Hai Duong ranked 5th nationwide in terms of the number of students winning prizes.

According to the report of the Provincial Association for Promotion of Education, from 2020 to present, the associations at all levels in the province have awarded scholarships to about 110,000 disadvantaged students, rewarded about 785,000 students and about 35,000 teachers with a total amount of about 110 billion VND. Currently, the whole province has 12 district-level Associations for Promotion of Education, 235 commune-level Associations; 2,142 Associations for Promotion of Education, 9,256 clan Associations for Promotion of Education... Hai Duong has developed over 821,000 members, accounting for 42.1% of the population. The provincial Fund for Promotion of Education reached more than 148 billion VND, an average of 76,000 VND/person, nearly double the target assigned by the Central Association for Promotion of Education of Vietnam.

A representative of the Hai Duong Department of Education and Training said that a learning society is an open educational model in which all citizens have the right and obligation to learn for life. A learning society creates all opportunities and conditions for all citizens to be equal and fair in learning. In recent times, the Party committees and authorities at all levels in Hai Duong have continuously encouraged the lifelong learning movement. Many libraries, community learning centers, and free classes have been established and organized, opening up opportunities for everyone to access knowledge. Today, with the development of technology, Hai Duong people can study through online courses, accessing the treasure trove of human knowledge with just one click of the mouse.

Lifelong learning is not only the key to open the door to knowledge, but also the driving force for Hai Duong to develop, for people here to constantly innovate, create and move forward. Responding to the spirit of lifelong learning of General Secretary To Lam, the Standing Committee of Hai Duong Provincial Party Committee organized a conference to disseminate and implement the content of the article "Lifelong learning". At the conference, Standing Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee Le Van Hieu requested Party committees and Party organizations in the province to disseminate and implement the article in appropriate forms, and at the same time lead and direct the implementation of lifelong learning contents corresponding to each group of subjects within the scope of management.

Grassroots Party committees include the content of the General Secretary's article in Party committee meetings, regular meetings, and specialized meetings of Party cells. At the same time, leaders concretize guiding viewpoints on lifelong learning into programs and work plans of agencies and units. The Provincial Party Committee Standing Committee launched a lifelong learning movement in the province for cadres and Party members; continued to widely deploy learning models such as "Learning Family", "Learning Clan", "Learning Agency", "Learning Community"; applied technology, innovated learning methods, etc.

With the core value of the tradition of studiousness, the children of Hai Duong today - the ancient Eastern land will always be proud of the fine cultural traditions of the land of "spiritual land, talented people". Future generations will continue to follow the glorious tradition of mandarin examinations so that the "sunlight of the coastal region" will always shine.

Content:DO QUYET - TRAN HIEN

Present:TUAN ANH