Equality in access to education

At the opening ceremony of the new school year, General Secretary To Lam emphasized a number of major orientations to successfully implement the cause of education and training innovation in the new period. Among them is ensuring equal access to education.

Students of Nam Cha Primary Boarding School for Ethnic Minorities ( Lai Chau province) - Photo: PHAM QUOC BAO

Along with that is improving the intellectual level of the people; innovating general education in a comprehensive direction, striving to soon universalize general education...

Ms. Ho Thi Thanh Phuong (teacher of economic and legal education at Tay Tra High School, Quang Ngai):

Motivation for mountain students

As a young teacher working at a high school in a particularly difficult mountainous area, where the majority of students are ethnic minority children, I was very moved when I heard General Secretary To Lam emphasize the message of "universalizing general education, leaving no one behind". For us, that is both a motivation and a belief to continue to stick with the profession and make efforts for the students.

This school year is the first year the State has implemented a policy of free tuition from kindergarten to high school. Personally, I feel very happy, because tuition fees are a barrier that causes many students in mountainous areas to drop out of school when their families cannot afford to pay.

The greatest wish of teachers and students in the highlands today is for more attention to infrastructure, especially roads and schools. Every rainy season, students have to travel with great difficulty and danger. If schools are solidly built, with convenient boarding or semi-boarding facilities, students and their parents will feel more secure during their studies.

I also hope that the policy of supporting students and teachers will be strengthened so that teachers can work far from home with peace of mind and students will not have to drop out of school due to difficult circumstances. I believe that with the attention of the Party, the State and the education sector, the path to school for students in mountainous areas will become less and less arduous, so that they can truly have equal opportunities to study and grow up.

Mr. Nguyen Phuc Vien (Principal of Cho Gao High School, Dong Thap):

Need a mechanism to attract good teachers

I believe that the policy of universalizing general education is a correct and timely direction. This is an important step to affirm fairness in access to education, ensuring that all students, whether in urban or rural areas, remote areas or islands, have equal learning opportunities.

From my practical work, I have found that to realize this spirit, the prerequisite is resources for disadvantaged areas. Material resources are necessary, but more important are human resources. Without a quality team of teachers, all universal policies will only remain on paper.

In my opinion, there should be strong mechanisms to attract and retain good teachers to work in remote areas and islands. To have good teachers, first of all, there must be appropriate remuneration policies, support for accommodation, working environment and career development opportunities. When teachers feel secure, they will be wholeheartedly devoted to their students.

I believe that Resolution 71 is the guiding principle. But to put it into practice, it requires the cooperation of the entire political system, from the central to the local levels. Only then can the goal of equalizing learning opportunities between regions be truly achieved.

MSc. Nguyen Van Chuong (Principal of College of Mechanics and Irrigation, Dong Nai):

Investing in infrastructure in disadvantaged areas

I completely agree with the view that we need a team of good teachers to ensure fair access to education. But I think that having good people is not enough. When we have good people, we must also create a worthy teaching environment for them. The school must be spacious and complete, not makeshift or lacking in desks, chairs, and equipment. In such conditions, it is difficult for teachers to feel secure in their commitment.

I think that if we want to attract and retain good teachers in remote areas or islands, we need to invest synchronously in infrastructure: from schools, dormitories, public housing to essential conditions such as electricity, clean water, and Internet. A young teacher can accept sacrificing some amenities, but no one can stay long-term if living conditions are too poor.

In my opinion, investing in facilities not only serves teachers but also improves the quality of learning for students. When students have bright classrooms, fully equipped practice rooms, libraries and Internet access, teaching and learning will be more effective. That is also a way to create fairness in education, so that students in disadvantaged areas are not disadvantaged compared to their peers in urban areas.

I think that in addition to the policy of attracting human resources, the State needs to have a long-term strategy for educational infrastructure. It is possible to socialize a part, calling on businesses to join, especially in investment programs for modern schools. When there are good people and a good environment, education in remote areas will really take off and the goal of Resolution 71 will become a reality.

Tran Island School, part of Thanh Lan Primary School, Co To Special Zone, has three teachers in charge of teaching three classes with eight students - Photo: VI LE

Ms. Tran Thi Thu Hien (head of literature group, Ernst Thälmann High School, Ho Chi Minh City):

More attention to digital infrastructure

I really appreciate the message of General Secretary To Lam. This is not only a message rich in humanity but also has an orientation, pointing out the core tasks of the education sector in the current period. That message was clearly demonstrated through this year's opening ceremony, a special opening ceremony, taking place in the spirit of simplicity, fairness, uniformity and humanity.

However, the biggest challenge to realizing that goal, in my opinion, is digital infrastructure. In reality, in many localities, facilities still do not meet the requirements of innovation, there is a lack of classrooms and functional rooms; the Internet connection is not strong enough to cover all regions. In addition, security and privacy issues are also concerns that make teachers, students and parents hesitant in the digital transformation process.

Looking back over the past 80 years, our country's education sector has overcome many difficulties and achieved important successes. I believe that if implemented synchronously, with a specific roadmap and regularly monitored and inspected by leaders at all levels, we will certainly train a generation of "talented - compassionate - resilient" students.

Khong To Uyen (10th grade student at Nguyen Van Chat High School, Phu Tho):

Reduce tuition pressure

I am very happy that the Government cares and creates conditions for students, especially those in difficult circumstances, to continue going to school and nurture their dreams.

In my opinion, the policy of free tuition from kindergarten to high school is of great significance. For families, this is practical support, helping parents reduce the economic burden and feel secure in sending their children to school. For students, it is a fair opportunity for everyone to go to school, study and grow together.

I am also very happy to know that there is a policy to support free meals for students. Each meal not only nourishes the body but also contains love and sharing from society, especially meaningful for students in remote areas.

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Source: https://tuoitre.vn/binh-dang-trong-tiep-can-giao-duc-20250908083317663.htm