‘Books for You - November 20’ initiative celebrates Vietnamese Teachers’ Day
WVR - In a unique and meaningful gesture for Vietnamese Teachers’ Day, the “Books for You - November 20” initiative invites students and parents to gift books to their teachers. All donated books are collected to create a “Books for You” library at each school. These libraries not only honor teachers but also provide valuable resources for students and teachers in remote, mountainous areas where access to books is limited.
Latest
On the occasion of Vietnamese Teachers' Day, Vice Chairman of the Board at FPT University, Mr. Hoang Nam Tien affectionately known as “Teacher Tien”, launched the campaign via his personal TikTok account on November 11. In a heartfelt video, he encouraged parents and students to replace traditional gifts with books, promoting knowledge-sharing and fostering a love for reading.
Traditionally, parents and students gift flowers or presents to teachers on November 20. However, gifting books offers a deeper, more lasting tribute. “To me, great books are lifelong companions and invaluable teachers. I encourage parents and students to gift books that hold personal meaning and significance. By doing so, we’re not just giving a present but a token of growth and learning. These books will serve as a powerful inspiration for teachers on this special day”, said Mr. Tien.
According to the initiative, all gifted books will form a “Books for You” collection at each school, where future generations of parents and students can contribute to this growing treasure trove. Schools will also organize talk shows featuring book-loving parents who share lessons and reflections drawn from their favorite books with students, enriching extracurricular activities.
The initiative has garnered enthusiastic support from schools and teachers nationwide. FPT Schools, a network of 13 primary, middle, and high schools, quickly embraced the movement, organizing book donation drives, hosting community reading events, and fostering a culture of reading among parents and students. FPT Schools and FPT Education have a longstanding policy against teachers accepting personal gifts on November 20, making this book-giving campaign especially meaningful.
On November 19, Mr. Tien will host a special event at FPT Schools in Bac Tu Liem, Hanoi. The event aims to create an intimate setting where Mr. Tien will share his thoughts on the transformative power of books in developing intellect and character, as well as tips on nurturing a love for reading among students and children.
 |
| "A Letter to You" is Mr. Hoang Nam Tien’s first book, now a best-seller. |
Mr. Hoang Nam Tien is widely recognized for his passion for books and dedication to promoting a culture of reading. His relatable and witty book reviews have captivated audiences and driven significant sales for the titles he recommends, including Think Again and The Art of Strategy, which saw tens of thousands of copies sold after his endorsements.
In March 2024, Mr. Tien debuted as an author with his first book, A Letter to You, a heartfelt narrative about his parents’ love story. The book resonated with readers of all ages, selling over 45,000 copies. Recently, his TikTok livestreams have attracted thousands of viewers, creating a buzz in the publishing world and breaking sales records during each session.
As a leader at FPT Education, Mr. Tien believes the greatest gratitude teachers can receive is witnessing their students grow and succeed through the knowledge imparted to them. “Replacing conventional gifts with books is a way to nurture reading habits and lay a strong foundation for students’ comprehensive development”, he emphasized.
 |
| Mr. Hoang Nam Tien is widely admired by a large audience, especially young readers. |
Since its launch, the initiative has inspired widespread participation from parents, who eagerly contribute books and engage in the campaign. Many families view this as a meaningful opportunity to bond over reading while supporting education. The campaign has quickly spread beyond FPT Schools, gaining traction across other educational institutions.
Mr. Tien envisions “Books for You - November 20” as more than a one-time event. He hopes it will become a cornerstone of sustainable reading culture in schools, empowering students to view books as lifelong companions. “We aim to make this program a regular part of school activities, where books are not only tools for learning but also sources of encouragement and inspiration for students in their pursuit of knowledge”, he shared.
