Huynh Thanh Phu, Principal of Nguyen Du High School in Ho Chi Minh City.

Each morning, Mr. Phu stands at the school gate to welcome students and their parents. He said he wants to set an example of politeness, mutual respect and love for everyone. Students are encouraged to raise their concerns and recommendations. Phu has changed their ideas about what the head of a school is like.

“A principal is someone who does management work and is superior to the students. But Mr. Phu has changed that image. He is friendly, and very creative about teaching methods,” said 12^thgrader Huynh Phuong Lam.

Phu organizes many after-class activities to teach life skills and traditional music. Clubs have been started and talent contests are held to encourage cooperation between students and teachers.  Phu gets students and teachers involved in social work such as building compassion house and bridges in rural areas, and providing meals to patients.

He has named school sections after places like Truong Sa (Spratly), Hoang Sa (Paracel), East Sea, and Gac Ma (Johnson Reef) to teach students about Vietnam’s sovereinty. Phu has inspired students’ patriotism through role play, art performances, and exchanges with people who witnessed historic events.

“I keep up to date on current affairs in Vietnam and use that in the lessons to teach the students to love their homeland,” he elaborated.

A reading period is held each week in the library and books are made available at school to encourage the students’ reading habit. Phu shares lessons and stories about good role models at each weekly meeting with the students. Teacher Nguyen Thi Hoa Hong said: “The stories Mr. Phu tells are very simple but convey an important message about life. He teaches students honesty and love for everyone”.