Online Opening Ceremony: A Mark of Innovation in the Age of Growth

GD&TĐ - The 2025-2026 school year opened with a nationwide online opening ceremony, connecting millions of students from Lung Cu (Tuyen Quang) to Dat Mui (Ca Mau) with the Central bridge and with the participation of Party and State leaders.

This new format not only ensures solemnity and widespread dissemination, but also inspires a desire for change in education , encourages schools and teachers to proactively embrace digital transformation, and further motivates students to learn.

The joy of teachers and students from all over the country.

The 2025-2026 school year holds special significance as it coincides with the 80th anniversary of the establishment of the Ministry of Education. This is an opportunity for teachers and students in the mountainous region to share the joy with the rest of the country in the solemn moment of the beginning of the school year. To further motivate disadvantaged students, the Tuy Phuoc Commune People's Committee also coordinated with many organizations and units to distribute hundreds of gifts. The Quy Nhon Hometown Association sent 42 gifts including cash and essential goods, while Agribank Tuy Phuoc donated 180 gifts, each worth 500,000 VND, to poor students who have overcome difficulties. "Hopefully, these gifts will help the children have more resources as they enter the new school year, giving them more strength to strive for success," Mr. Thuan shared.

After the summer break, thousands of students in Hung Yen province eagerly awaited the opening day of the new school year. Preparations were underway in schools, from decorating schoolyards and classrooms to practicing cultural performances… everything was ready for this grand event for the entire education sector.

Mr. Nguyen Van Chien, the teacher in charge of the Youth Union at Thuy Phong Primary School (Nam Thuy Anh, Hung Yen), said: “This year's opening ceremony holds great significance as it coincides with the 80th anniversary of the Vietnamese education sector. Students are immersed in the opening ceremony atmosphere along with millions of friends nationwide, participating in the rituals and singing the national anthem. We hope that the students will feel that the opening ceremony is truly a celebration, so that they will love their school and class even more.”

Mr. Nguyen Van Chanh, Principal of Thuy Phong Primary School, said that from mid-August, the school had already made detailed plans, assigning tasks to each teacher and group, from decorating the schoolyard and rehearsing performances to repairing facilities. “This year, the opening ceremony will be held both in person in the schoolyard and online, connecting with locations across the country. This will certainly be a profound and unique memory for both teachers and students,” Mr. Chanh said.

Commenting on the new organizational approach, Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Minh, Director of the Phu Cu Vocational Training and Continuing Education Center (Hung Yen), remarked: “This year's opening ceremony is special as the entire education sector is united in a nationwide program combining in-person and online participation. This is an innovative format that maintains the solemnity and traditional significance while spreading widely. We have meticulously prepared everything from facilities and internet connectivity to the script, ensuring the ceremony is safe, dignified, and leaves a positive impression.”

As the opening day approaches, Dak Ro Ong Kindergarten (Dak To Kan, Quang Ngai) becomes more bustling than usual. Teacher Do Thi Lan Huong is busy preparing the red flag with a yellow star and traditional costumes for the 28 four-year-old children. In this lively atmosphere, teachers and students eagerly await the opening ceremony to showcase their colors and share in the joy of this celebratory occasion for the entire education sector. "This year, the opening ceremony is innovative, and both teachers and students are excited. We even picked a few wildflowers to share our joy with friends everywhere," Ms. Huong shared.

In her small house, Y Kieu Phuong (5 years old, Dak To Kan commune, Quang Ngai province) caressed her traditional dress before carefully putting it away in the closet. She innocently recounted, "I asked my mother to wash it so I can wear it beautifully on the first day of school. I'm really looking forward to it because I get to wear new clothes and meet my teachers and friends."

Preparations are also in full swing at Be Van Dan Primary School (Po Y commune, Quang Ngai province). Teachers and students are decorating classrooms, tidying up the schoolyard, and testing the internet connection for the online ceremony. Since mid-August, students have returned to school, especially first-grade students participating in "2 weeks 0" - a period to get acquainted with teachers, friends, new rules, and learning routines. They are also practicing singing the national anthem and saluting the flag so they won't feel awkward on the official opening day.

Mr. Nguyen Van Dai, the school principal, said that the opening ceremony would be brief, lasting about 40 minutes, but would still include performances and games to create a warm and joyful atmosphere. He emotionally recalled: “During the Covid-19 pandemic, we held online opening ceremonies, confined to individual classes via small screens. This time is different; teachers and students are much more excited because they are connected with millions of students nationwide and will hear greetings from General Secretary To Lam. That atmosphere is truly sacred.”

The joy of the new school year isn't limited to Quang Ngai. In Gia Lai, many localities are also busy preparing. The People's Committee of Tuy Phuoc commune has directed 18 schools, from preschool to junior high school, with over 13,000 students, to clean up classrooms, decorate for the occasion, and check internet connections in readiness for the special opening ceremony.

Mr. Thai Van Thuan, Vice Chairman of the Tuy Phuoc Commune People's Committee, said: "From 7 to 8 a.m. on September 5th, schools will organize separate activities to meet and share with students and parents. From 8 to 9:30 a.m., we will broadcast the national opening ceremony live. We have prepared televisions, projectors, and technical connections to ensure the ceremony runs smoothly and is full of joy."

Teacher Le Thi Ly Kho with her students. Photo: Provided by the interviewee.

A feeling of pride at the southernmost point of the country.

In the last days of August, schools throughout Ca Mau province were busy preparing for the opening ceremony of the 2025-2026 school year. From remote areas to the city center, teachers and students everywhere were bustling about cleaning, decorating, checking facilities and internet connections to get ready for an opening ceremony with many innovations, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the Education sector.

At Vien An High School (Dat Mui, Ca Mau), facilities are limited, and many students face difficulties getting to school. Mr. Bui Phuc Xuan, the Deputy Principal in charge of the school, said: "In recent days, the entire staff and teachers have been working diligently to improve the landscape, clean the environment, and prepare the necessary conditions for the opening ceremony."

This year, the school enrolled over 1,000 students, and we notified each parent and student to attend. Even those who traveled by ferry were given the opportunity to attend the opening ceremony. Regarding facilities, the school utilized existing equipment and selected a suitable network provider to ensure a stable connection, allowing staff, teachers, and students to fully follow the ceremony's content.”

Meanwhile, Cai Nuoc High School (Cai Nuoc, Ca Mau), with over 2,300 students and 54 classes, has also made thorough preparations. Principal Ngo Thanh Vu said: “The opening ceremony will take place on the school grounds, with all staff, teachers, and students in attendance. Before starting the online program of the Ministry of Education and Training, the school will hold a welcoming ceremony for 10th-grade students. We have arranged four large-screen TVs, a sound system, and full internet access. If the weather is bad, students will attend the ceremony in their respective classrooms, which have been equipped with internet-connected TVs, ensuring convenience and continuity.”

A similar atmosphere prevailed at Phong Phu B Primary School (Lang Tron Ward). Principal Nguyen Phuc Long shared: “This year's opening ceremony is truly special, in the context of national reform and the operation of a two-tiered government model. The entire school staff is very enthusiastic and has made every effort to prepare all the necessary conditions for staff, teachers, and students to directly listen to the guiding speech and the opening drumbeat from the General Secretary.”

At Vo Thi Sau Secondary School (Bac Lieu Ward, Ca Mau Province), Mr. Ho Thanh Tung, a young teacher, expressed: “The combination of in-person and online opening ceremonies shows modernity and synchronization, helping teachers and students nationwide to join in this nationwide celebration. For me, this is an opportunity to connect spirits and unite millions of hearts for the cause of educating future generations. I will continuously innovate and apply technology to teaching to ignite a passion for learning in the students.”

Teachers and students at Be Van Dan Primary School (Po Y, Quang Ngai). Photo: Dung Nguyen

Prepare thoroughly.

For generations, the opening ceremony has always been associated with schoolyards adorned with flags and flowers, the resounding sound of drums, and the eager eyes of students. This year, that familiar image has taken on a new form as millions of students across the country join in the opening ceremony via online screens, with the participation of Party and State leaders.

“The students were very happy and excited because this was not just a familiar ceremony in the schoolyard, but also a moment when millions of students across the country shared the joy of welcoming the new school year. The feeling of ‘meeting’ Party and State leaders on the opening day made them feel cared for and supported, thus giving them more motivation to study,” shared Ms. Le Thi Ly Kho, a teacher at Dong Khoi Secondary School (Phu Thanh, Ho Chi Minh City).

According to Ms. Kho, the biggest difference of this format is the spirit of connection. “No matter where they are, the students clearly feel they are entering a new school year with millions of friends. This new format not only opens the door to connection, but also shows that education is always at the center of social concern,” she said.

According to many teachers, the online opening ceremony transcended traditional rituals to foster a spirit of unity, helping students realize they are part of a larger learning community. For teachers, it also serves as a reminder of their responsibility to embrace innovation, so that each lesson contributes to realizing the aspirations for national development. “In the context of a post-reunification country rapidly advancing, I hope students will realize a great lesson: Integration and innovation are not just policies, but also a journey for the entire nation, and today's students are the ones continuing this journey,” Ms. Kho emphasized.

Representatives from the Dong Khoi Secondary School's administration stated that, regarding facilities, the school had thoroughly checked the internet connection, projection equipment, and audio-visual systems multiple times. The school also prepared LED screens to create a vibrant atmosphere, allowing students to follow the ceremony more visually and enthusiastically. Homeroom teachers received training to guide students in participating according to regulations, and parents were informed to cooperate closely with the school.

"We want students to be prepared and understand that this is a major national event, and each of them is an important part of it. Students will clearly feel their pride and responsibility; teachers will feel appreciated and supported; and the whole society will work together to nurture the future generation," the school representative emphasized.

According to Ms. Kho, the most profound meaning of the online opening ceremony is the connection in educational innovation. A ceremony attended by Party and State leaders and all students nationwide not only encourages spirit but also affirms that education is a top priority and a sustainable foundation for national development.

The excitement for the innovative opening ceremony has spread to every student. Nguyen Truc Anh, a student at Ho Thi Ky High School (An Xuyen, Ca Mau), expressed: “I am really looking forward to the opening day to meet my teachers and friends and witness this special ceremony. This year, students will hear the Minister deliver a speech, and also listen to the speeches and the sound of the school bell from Party leaders via live television. This is unprecedented and gives us more motivation to strive for better academic performance.”

In many localities, preparations have been carried out synchronously, ensuring that the opening ceremony for the entire education sector is more solemn, meaningful, and safe. In Hung Yen, Ms. Ha Thi Thu Phuong, Deputy Director of the Department of Education and Training, said that the department has issued a document guiding schools and educational centers to organize the opening ceremony in conjunction with the 80th anniversary of the establishment of the National Ministry of Education (now the Ministry of Education and Training). According to the plan, all educational institutions in the province will hold their opening ceremonies simultaneously with the program organized at the National Convention Center, via online connection or by watching live on VTV1.

Schools are required to fully prepare facilities and technical connections; perform the flag-raising ceremony and sing the national anthem at the same time as the central venue. At the same time, each unit must have a plan to respond to adverse weather conditions, ensure traffic safety, maintain power supply, and ensure security and order throughout the event.

“The opening ceremony of the 2025-2026 school year is of special significance, coinciding with 80 years of tradition in the education sector. This is an opportunity for the entire sector to reflect on the journey of building and developing Vietnam's education system, while also demonstrating the spirit of integration, modernization, and cohesion throughout the sector,” Ms. Phuong emphasized.

In Ca Mau, the Department of Education and Training has issued a document requiring educational institutions to organize the opening ceremony of the new school year in conjunction with the 80th anniversary of the establishment of the Ministry of Education and Training. Accordingly, the opening ceremony should be organized in a solemn, meaningful, practical, yet economical manner, creating a widespread impact throughout the entire education sector and society.

Mr. Le Hoang Du, Deputy Director of the Ca Mau Department of Education and Training, said that the local education sector has fully prepared the necessary infrastructure, equipment, and internet connection for online communication; and has also developed feasible contingency plans in case of power outages or bad weather. Special attention is being paid to ensuring traffic safety, security, and fire prevention.

“Activities organized by educational institutions will be brief and conclude before 8:00 AM. From 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM, all delegates, teachers, and students will fully participate in the program organized by the Ministry of Education and Training,” Mr. Du emphasized.

Distinguished Educator Chu Xuan Thanh - former Head of the Secondary Education Department, Ho Chi Minh City Department of Education and Training, emphasized: “The country is entering a new era, not only in merging and streamlining the administrative apparatus but also in renewing thinking. Today's generations of students are not simply continuing the legacy of knowledge, but also are intellectual and spiritual resources, carrying within them the mission to contribute to building a strong, civilized, and integrated Vietnam.”

According to Mr. Thanh, to ignite that aspiration, the education team – from teachers to administrators – must take the lead through self-renewal. "Only when teachers change and know how to inspire can they ignite the flame of creativity and the desire to contribute in the younger generation," he stated.

Source: https://giaoducthoidai.vn/khai-giang-truc-tuyen-dau-an-doi-moi-trong-ky-nguyen-vuon-minh-post747109.html