Vietnam’s Prime Minister, Lê Minh Hưng, has taken decisive action to address pressing issues in the education sector, directing the Ministry of Education and Training to complete work on newly established boarding schools in remote areas and tackle a significant textbook shortage. During a meeting in Hà Nội on Monday, Hưng emphasized the need for the schools to be ready for the new academic year, which began on September 5.
The directive involves completing facilities at 108 multi-level boarding schools located in border regions, part of a broader initiative under Politburo Resolution 71-NQ/TW aimed at reducing educational disparities. In addition, Hưng instructed that the construction of 121 more schools be expedited, with a completion deadline set for August 30, 2027. The overarching program targets 248 boarding schools across border communes, intending to enhance educational access in disadvantaged areas.
To ensure these schools operate effectively, Hưng called for an evaluation of their educational quality and resource adequacy, including classrooms and teaching staff. He also highlighted the importance of using enrollment data to inform future educational planning. In preparation for an upcoming review of the government’s implementation of Resolution 71, the Prime Minister asked the ministry to compile reports pinpointing shortcomings and suggesting improvements.
Addressing the textbook shortage, Hưng mandated that the education ministry resolve the deficit of approximately 776,000 textbook sets by September 25. He identified failures in demand forecasting, ordering, publishing, and distribution as underlying causes. The ministry must ascertain accountability for the shortage and present the findings by October 10.
In a bid to prevent future shortages, Hưng advocated for increased diversification in textbook production and distribution, coupled with stringent quality controls, to guarantee that students nationwide receive the necessary educational materials.