Speaking to the press ahead of the new school year, Minister of Education and Training Nguyen Kim Son said that the Ministry is finalizing a draft of detailed regulations on salaries, allowances, and policies to attract and support teachers. Accordingly, it is expected that the basic salary of all teachers will increase by at least 2 million VND, and possibly up to 7 million VND per person per month. This increase only applies to the basic salary, not including other allowances.
Not long ago, when the news of the National Assembly's resolution on tuition fee exemption and support for preschool children, primary and secondary school students, and those studying in general education programs within the national education system was widely publicized, Ha's mother and daughter in my neighborhood still couldn't believe it. Ha's mother went to several neighbors' houses to ask repeatedly to be sure. Ha's family has three sisters close in age. Once, her mother complained that the burden of their children's education was overwhelming the family's income. Ha, the eldest sister, once hinted to me that she would drop out of school to help her mother sell drinks from a mobile cart. But then, on the first day of the new school year a few days ago, I still saw her riding her bike past our house, smiling brightly in her uniform. So, she's still going to school.
The tuition wasn't too much, but since all three sisters were exempted, the financial burden on their mother's pushcart was no longer so heavy. The wheels of their cart on their way to school were no longer a constant struggle, a constant worry.
And just a few days ago, a younger colleague who works as an electrical engineering teacher asked me: "Uncle, do you know when we'll get a raise? We're so happy we're almost in tears." I can only say that once someone in a position of responsibility says it, it's no longer a joke. It will soon become a reality.
My younger sibling had repeatedly expressed to me their intention to switch to another profession, even though they are a capable teacher. The allure of higher incomes in other fields distracts many teachers, while the official income from teaching cannot yet serve as a "reassurance" for a significant number of teachers at the present time.
In my conversation with my younger sibling, I noticed they were very happy, even though neither of us could be certain when the balance in their account would change after that monthly "ding." The increased income isn't a reality right now, but their mindset has become somewhat more stable, which is a given. I think this stems from the fact that not only my sibling, but many other teachers share the same feeling: they feel cared for.
When underprivileged students can attend school without the overwhelming financial burden, we believe the journey to school will become shorter. When teachers standing at the podium are no longer distracted by the struggle for daily necessities, their voices will surely be clear and resonant. Humanistic policies in education, to a certain extent, related to "money and livelihood," can be seen as a form of leniency, reducing the pressure on teaching and learning. These positive "impetus" will lead to a change in the quality of education. We believe in that.
Hanh Nhien
Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/cu-hich-den-truong-260739.htm
