Hospital classroom begins its 17th year with more support for young patients

Children receiving cancer treatment in Ho Chi Minh City have begun a new school year inside the city’s Oncology Hospital, with regular lessons and a newly opened reading and psychological counselling room helping them stay connected to learning during long periods of care.

The Sunflower Class has operated in the hospital’s paediatric oncology department since 2009. About 39 children are currently associated with the class, although attendance changes with their health and treatment schedules. On weekday sessions, they can study Vietnamese and mathematics, draw, make crafts, sing and play musical instruments. Music and recreational activities were expanded in May to help ease stress.

A hospital assembly marking the 2026-2027 school year brought together 120 young patients. Among them was 10-year-old Thành Danh, who was diagnosed with a brain tumour before he could enter first grade. Despite sometimes forgetting letters he has learned, he continues studying and sang at the ceremony. His wish, he said, is to recover and attend school with other children.

The new room provides books, space to rest and access to psychological support. Together with the classroom, it broadens the hospital’s care beyond medical treatment, giving children opportunities to learn, play and maintain familiar childhood routines while they are away from school.