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The adult class hosted by Kim Dong Primary School opened in July 2013.

The People's Committee of Long Son Commune wanted to reduce illiteracy in the area by letting hard working farmers have access to the chance to read and write.

The first class of 70 students was aged from 25 to 50. Most of the students were married, and there were many grandparents. Every student received free school supplies to use in the classes.

Teachers and People's Committee officers had to actively encourage people to attend the class because many felt they were too old to learn to read and write. But student numbers quickly rose as others learned how relatively easy and rewarding the lessons were.

"The first days are always difficult, not many people wanted to come to class in the evening, because they were afraid that they would waste their time," Le Thu Thao, a teacher of the class, said. "Eventually, after a lot of encouragement, more and more people were willing to try the class out."

A 38-0year-old student said, "Ever since the class was opened, I and my neighbours have gone to class. "Now, I know how to read and write, and I can finally apply for a driver's license."

A women in the commune wasn't support by her husband to go to class, but she still went. When she came home knowing how to read and write, her husband's attitude changed.

The illiteracy rate in Long Son Commune was highest in Dak Mil District, where one in eight people are illiterate and 94 percent of its citizens are from ethnic minorities, who think education is a luxury unaffordable for poor people struggling to survive.

Kim Dong Primary School has just launched its next intake of students and hopes to build on its adult literacy success.