Author Lê Phương Liên: Writing journey and inspirations from school

“I am always deeply moved whenever I visit schools, seeing today’s students not only able to attend school but also having the opportunity to access modern education, learn multiple languages, and grow in a holistic way.” These heartfelt words were shared by author Lê Phương Liên during her recent interaction with Year 6 students at Reigate Grammar School Vietnam.

Lê Phương Liên is a member of the Vietnam Writers’ Association, a Literary Editor, and Director of the Doraemon Scholarship Fund of Kim Đồng Publishing House. She is one of Vietnam’s most renowned children’s literature authors, whose works have left a lasting impression on generations of young readers. Among her beloved titles are Song of Happiness, Little Swallow, Memory of Light, The First Rays of Sunshine, and When Spring Comes. With a gentle, evocative, and emotional writing style, her stories not only nurture children’s imagination but also enrich their hearts and character.

At the RGSV event, students listened to her retelling of the short story The Day You Went to School, engaged in a lively Q&A session, and learned more about the inspiration behind her works. Through her sincere sharing, students could feel her deep emotions when speaking about schools, a theme rooted in her memories of older generations who were deprived of education, some even illiterate. This helped students better appreciate the value of peace and the joy of being able to go to school today.

In addition, the author also shared her journey of becoming a writer, inspiring students about the creative process, closely connected to the themes explored in the Unit of Inquiry (UOI) of the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), such as “life’s transitional milestones.”