UNICEF Representative to Vietnam, Silvia Danailov, praised the recent decision by the Politburo of the Communist Party of Vietnam to waive all school fees for students from kindergarten through high school in the public school system nationwide. She described this move as a major step toward integration and equal opportunities for all children.
Danailov congratulated Vietnam on this decision, noting that it aligns with the country's international commitments, including the Convention on the Rights of the Child and Sustainable Development Goal 4.
The tuition waiver policy is a crucial investment in Vietnam’s future, enabling more children to complete their education regardless of their socio-economic background, she stressed, noting that this is a key policy during the country’s transformative development period.
Danailov suggested several key recommendations to maximise the effectiveness of this policy, saying that tuition exemption must be accompanied by efforts to ensure the quality of teaching and learning.
It is necessary to ensure sufficient resources, expertise, infrastructure, and quality learning materials, and attention should be given to the costs that families still have to cover, such as textbooks, uniforms, and transport, as these expenses can pose challenges for vulnerable households, she said.
The UNICEF official underlined the need to ensure the principles of equity and inclusion in implementing the policy, providing necessary support for children with disabilities and those in ethnic minority-inhabited areas to fully participate in and benefit from education.
Expanding access to high school education can be achieved by increasing the number of public schools and enhancing investment in community-based education, including the development of satellite primary schools, she emphasized.
Danailov highlighted that UNICEF is ready to support Vietnam in realizing this vision by improving the capacity of teachers and education administrators, promoting digital learning opportunities, and integrating advanced technologies like artificial intelligence to aid educators. Additionally, UNICEF advocates for investments in green school models to address climate change and promotes inclusive education policies.
She urged for close collaboration to ensure that all children in Vietnam have the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed.
