La Pan Tan, a commune in the mountainous district of Mu Cang Chai, was selected as the focal point for the initiative. Attendees of the classes so far have ranged widely in age, and include both men and women.
This is a poor commune where all population are Mong ethnic minority people. Nearly 80% out of total 685 households there are below or just scraping above the poverty line. Illiterate people aged 15 to 60 account for one fifth of the population in the commune.
Huyen, the teacher responsible for the classes, also teaches at La Tan Pan Primary School. Every night she cycles alone across rocky terrain and mountainous paths to teach the class, regardless of weather.
She starts the class at 8:30pm, but often has to wait for students who come late, so sometimes does not start until 9pm. The class usually runs until about midnight.
In 2013, five of these classes were organised for a total of 159 people aged between 15 and 50. Those who finish are provided with a certificate.
This year two more classes were added in Trong Tong and Trong Pao Sang villages, attracting 60 students. In order to increase attendance, the maximum age was increased to 60.
