In a bid to address educational inequities in Vietnam, Prime Minister Lê Minh Hưng has intensified efforts to enhance schooling in remote border areas and combat a pressing textbook shortage. These initiatives are part of a broader strategy to bridge regional disparities in education, as outlined in Politburo Resolution 71-NQ/TW.
During a recent meeting in Hà Nội, the Prime Minister instructed the Ministry of Education and Training to expedite the completion of infrastructure at 108 newly opened multi-level boarding schools, which began the academic year on September 5. Hưng also mandated the swift construction of 121 additional schools, setting a completion deadline for August 30, 2027. These schools are part of a larger project involving 248 institutions aimed at improving access to education in disadvantaged border communes.
In addition to infrastructure development, Hưng emphasized the need for evaluating the educational quality and effectiveness of these new schools. He urged authorities to ensure adequate availability of classrooms, teachers, and resources, and to make informed decisions about future educational facilities using enrollment data.
Another pressing issue is the nationwide shortage of around 776,000 textbook sets, which Hưng has tasked the education ministry to resolve by September 25. The shortage was attributed to shortcomings in demand forecasting, ordering, publishing, and distribution processes. The Prime Minister insisted on identifying those responsible for these gaps, with a detailed report due by October 10.
To prevent future shortages, Hưng called for diversification in the production and distribution of textbooks and urged the implementation of stronger quality controls. These measures are intended to ensure that students across Vietnam have access to the necessary educational materials.
The Prime Minister also requested comprehensive documentation from the education ministry in preparation for a forthcoming review of the implementation of Resolution 71. This review will assess the progress made, pinpoint any shortcomings, and propose strategies for further improvement.