Lao Cai is a mountainous, border province with a majority of ethnic minority population. The high mountainous terrain and scattered population create many obstacles to the socio -economic development of the locality, including education. However, with a spirit of overcoming all difficulties, in recent years, thanks to the attention of the Party and the State, and the efforts of all levels, sectors, and schools, education in Lao Cai has seen many positive developments.
Immediately after liberation (the former Lao Cai province in November 1950, the former Yen Bai province in October 1952), the illiteracy rate in the area reached 95%. In many localities, the number of literate people could be counted on the fingers of one hand. In its development strategy, the province identified the central task in the field of education as continuing to develop literacy and primary education, and striving to reform the ideology of education cadres. In particular, in 1958, during a visit to the province, President Ho Chi Minh instructed cadres, Party members, and the people of all ethnic groups in the province: "Education must be the top priority… If the people understand and participate, even the smallest task can be accomplished."
His teachings provided strength and motivation for the border region of Lao Cai to compete in "eradicating illiteracy." From the lowlands to the highlands of the province, the "Popular Education" movement was vibrant and widespread. The Department of Popular Education sent cadres directly to the districts and communes to provide hands-on guidance and develop the movement.
Hundreds of literacy classes were opened to serve all social classes and age groups, enabling them to learn the national language. These classes, held in thatched huts with bamboo walls, were brightly lit. Those who knew how to read taught those who didn't, and those with more knowledge taught those with less, with the determination: "Attending literacy classes is patriotism! Teaching literacy classes is patriotism!", "Fighting illiteracy is like fighting foreign invaders…"
After the reunification of the country, Lao Cai province paid special attention to literacy programs. Depending on specific conditions, many localities implemented bilingual programs (using both the common language and the mother tongue) to eradicate illiteracy. A prime example is the Mong ethnic group in Ban Pho commune, Bac Ha district (now Ban Pho commune), which had a literacy campaign using the Mong language.
In 1962, Uncle Ho wrote an article titled "A New Victory," published in the Nhan Dan newspaper, issue 3149, dated November 18, 1962, praising the Hmong language learning movement in Ban Pho commune. Also in that year, for its outstanding achievements in eradicating illiteracy in the Hmong language, Ban Pho commune was honored to receive the Third Class Labor Medal from the State.
Alongside this, education and training were intensified. During the years of resistance against the US, Lao Cai had many exemplary and outstanding collectives and individuals. Many schools were recognized as advanced units in the resistance against the US and for national salvation. Many teacher groups were recognized by the Government as Socialist Labor Groups.
Having been involved with education in Lao Cai since the 1960s, Distinguished Teacher Cao Van Tu - former Director of the Provincial Department of Education and Training - understands better than anyone the steps taken by the province's education and training system. He shared: After the re-establishment of the province, Lao Cai's education faced many difficulties. Many communes were "without" education, meaning schools and classrooms could not be maintained. School facilities were lacking, mainly consisting of thatched houses, mud walls, bamboo walls, and desks and chairs made from bamboo and rattan. The teaching staff declined in number, as many teachers quit their jobs, moved to other areas, or did not pursue the profession in the 1980s.
Nevertheless, overcoming all difficulties, and with the coordination and involvement of the entire political system from the provincial to the grassroots level, the provincial education sector immediately implemented the development of schools and classrooms at all levels, rapidly increasing the enrollment rate of children of school age and maintaining the attendance rate.
By 1995, there were no longer any villages without education. Public schools (secondary and high school) were opened in the centers of districts and communes, creating opportunities for children of ethnic minorities to attend school. Programs for adult education, literacy eradication, and skill improvement for workers were given attention. The quality of education at all levels and in all fields continued to be prioritized in a more comprehensive manner.
In recent years, education in Lao Cai has flourished. School facilities have been invested in, aiming for standardization and modernization, ensuring equal access to education for all students. Along with the policies of the Party and Government, the province has also issued many mechanisms and policies to develop the education sector.
That attention became a driving force, helping teachers and students in Lao Cai to strive harder and achieve high results year after year. The province achieved the standard for universal primary education and illiteracy eradication in May 2000, the standard for universal primary education at the appropriate age in 2005, and the standard for universal lower secondary education in 2007. In 2013, Lao Cai was among the first 7 provinces nationwide to achieve the standard for universal preschool education for 5-year-old children...
Every year, hundreds of students from all levels participate in national and regional academic competitions and achieve high results.
In the 2024-2025 school year, the province completed the implementation of the 2018 General Education Program in all grade levels and achieved many encouraging results. The number of high school students participating in the national-level excellent student competition was the highest in recent years (194 students participated and won 128 awards, an increase of 25 awards compared to the previous school year). For the first time, the province had students participating in and winning a Bronze Medal at the Asia-Pacific Informatics Olympiad…
The 2025-2026 school year is the first year the whole country implements a two-tiered local government system, the first year of implementing the resolutions of the Party congresses at all levels for the 2025-2030 term, and also the first year the (new) Department of Education and Training of Lao Cai province officially begins operation after the merger.
Eighty years since the successful August Revolution, Lao Cai's education sector has achieved many proud accomplishments. Following the province's directives, the sector will continue to implement strong and comprehensive reforms to constantly improve the quality of education, both comprehensively and in key areas, contributing to the province's sustainable, harmonious, distinctive, and happy development goals.
Performed by: Khanh Ly
Source: https://baolaocai.vn/giao-duc-lao-cai-vung-buoc-phat-trien-post881158.html
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