ACCELERATE CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS

Amidst the towering mountain ranges in the far west of the country, in the border communes of Lai Chau province, a multi-level boarding school project is underway...

Construction sites amidst the clouds and mountains.

While the early morning mist still blanketed the hillsides of Phong Tho commune, the construction site of the Phong Tho Primary and Secondary Boarding School project was already bustling with activity. Trucks carrying materials lined up to ascend the slopes, concrete mixers operated continuously, and workers busied themselves with each section of the school buildings, dormitories, administrative offices, and multi-purpose buildings, creating a fast-paced and urgent work rhythm. Currently, all 10 main construction items are being implemented simultaneously, with over 500 workers on duty. Few would have imagined that just a few months ago, this place was a barren, steep hillside with many boulders, now transformed into a modern and integrated complex of school buildings, dormitories, and administrative offices.

Mr. Nguyen Ba Thuan - Project Director of Construction and Trading Company No. 6 ( Dien Bien province) shared: “From March 2026, the unit mobilized additional machinery, manpower, and equipment. Currently, all materials have been gathered, and more than 30 vehicles and over 500 workers are deployed in 3 shifts, 4 teams, day and night to carry out the construction items. Despite the difficult terrain conditions, we are still striving to ensure the progress to be completed before the new school year.”

The Phong Tho Inter-level Boarding School project, covering a total area of ​​6.15 hectares, is being built on two plots of land with a total investment of 250 billion VND. Of this, 245 billion VND is funded by the Vietnam National Energy and Industry Corporation, and 5 billion VND is counterpart funding from the local budget for land clearance and relocation of electrical infrastructure. The project commenced on November 3, 2025, and is currently over 52% complete.

In the communes of Pa Tan, Bum Nua, Hua Bum, and Dao San, school construction projects are being implemented simultaneously. Hundreds of workers and vehicles are operating from early morning until late at night; construction materials are continuously transported along winding mountain roads. Contractors are fulfilling their commitments by mobilizing maximum manpower, equipment, and materials to ensure completion by August 30, 2026, and readiness to welcome students for the new school year. These are the first five multi-level boarding schools in Lai Chau province to be implemented under the central government's policy. The total investment for the five projects amounts to over 1.289 billion VND, encompassing all necessary components such as classrooms, student dormitories, teacher housing, dining halls, multi-purpose halls, and other auxiliary facilities.

Determination stemming from a major policy.

On July 18, 2025, the Politburo issued Conclusion Notice No. 81-TB/TW on the policy of investing in school construction in border communes. This is considered an important decision to improve the quality of education in areas facing many difficulties. For Lai Chau province, with a border stretching over 265km, many students in mountainous and border areas still have to cross mountains and streams to get to school. Some have to walk for hours each day; many students have to drop out of school midway due to long distances and difficult conditions. Recognizing the importance and urgency, the Standing Committee of the Lai Chau Provincial Party Committee, especially Comrade Le Minh Ngan – Member of the Central Committee of the Party, Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee – directed the entire political system to decisively implement the model of multi-level boarding schools in border communes. Therefore, from the province down to the commune level, everyone worked together harmoniously, focusing on a single goal: completing the projects early and with high quality.

Provincial Party Secretary Le Minh Ngan affirmed: “Investing in the construction of integrated primary and secondary boarding schools in border communes is a correct policy with profound humanitarian significance and a long-term strategic vision, demonstrating the special attention of the Party and State to the people in border areas, remote areas, and areas still facing many difficulties. This model creates opportunities for children in border areas, especially children of ethnic minorities, to study in a stable and safe environment, developing comprehensively in intellect, morality, and physical health, creating a quality workforce for the province, contributing to sustainable socio-economic development, and strengthening national defense and security in border areas. The Party Committee, government, and people of all ethnic groups in Lai Chau province will be determined to do their best in building and operating integrated primary and secondary boarding schools in the province.”

Following its success, construction has begun on six new schools.

In addition to the 5 schools already under construction, in early 2026, Lai Chau province will continue to implement 6 new school projects in the communes of Khong Lao, Sin Suoi Ho, Si Lo Lau, Pa U, Mu Ca, and Thu Lum. The projects are managed by the Provincial Police Department. The total investment for all 6 schools is approximately 1,845 billion VND; each school will have between 20 and 31 classrooms, serving between 650 and 1,085 students.

Colonel Pham Hai Dang, Deputy Director of the Provincial Police, stated: “The Provincial Police are strictly implementing Announcement No. 81-TB/TW and other directives from the province. We are closely coordinating with the Party committees and local authorities of the communes from the initial survey stage, identifying the land plot, and mobilizing the people to support and participate in donating land for school construction. We are directing functional units to participate in the projects, ensuring implementation according to procedures, schedule, transparency, and efficiency, with the ultimate goal being the well-being of our beloved students in the mountainous border region.”

When these integrated boarding schools are completed, they will accommodate thousands of ethnic minority students, providing them with a modern, self-contained, and safe educational environment. This model not only solves the problem of students having to travel long distances to school but also lays the foundation for building a high-quality workforce for the border region in the future.

From the central government's directives to concrete projects, the journey to realize the conclusions of Announcement No. 81-TB/TW is being continued with determination, responsibility, and faith in the future of the young generation in Lai Chau, a border region of the Fatherland.

Source: https://baolaichau.vn/xa-hoi/day-nhanh-tien-do-thi-cong-1260435