The UNICEF Representative said that the tuition-free policy is an essential investment in Vietnam's future, helping more children complete their education, regardless of their socio-economic circumstances.
This is an important policy in the country's transformational development period: the Age of Rising.
Ms. Silvia Danailov makes three important recommendations to make this policy most effective.
First, free tuition must go hand in hand with ensuring the quality of teaching and learning. Increasing the number of students attending school requires adequate resources: qualified teachers, facilities and quality learning materials.
It is also important to consider the costs that families still have to pay, such as school materials, uniforms and transport, which can be a challenge for vulnerable households.
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Second, the implementation of the new policy needs to ensure the principles of equity and inclusion, helping children with disabilities and ethnic minority students receive the support they need to participate in and benefit fully from education.
Third, expanding access to secondary education can be done by increasing the number of public schools and stepping up investment in community-based education, including developing satellite schools for primary school.
UNICEF stands ready to support Viet Nam in realizing this vision by building the capacity of teachers and education managers, promoting digital learning opportunities, such as using advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence to support teachers, investing in green schools and green skills in the context of climate change, and promoting inclusive education policies.
“Our common goal is to leave no child behind. By working together, we can ensure that every girl and boy in Vietnam has the opportunity to learn, grow and succeed, contributing to building a brighter future for children and society as a whole,” said Silvia Danailov.