When "lifelong learning" becomes an intrinsic need.

In the context of digital transformation, increasingly deep integration, and the demand for improved human resource quality, building a learning society is no longer a long-term strategic goal, but has become an urgent requirement stemming from practical realities.

In many localities of Lao Cai province, the spirit of "lifelong learning" is gradually spreading, from literacy classes in mountainous areas to learning family models, learning clans, and even in the self-learning mindset of each individual citizen.

During the period 2026-2030, Lao Cai province aims to have over 60% of its citizens achieve the title of "Learning Citizen".

According to the Plan for implementing the tasks of universal education , eradicating illiteracy, streaming and building a learning society in the period 2026 - 2030, Lao Cai province aims to have over 60% of citizens achieving the title of "Learning Citizen", 70% of communes and wards recognized as "Learning Communities", and 100% of educational institutions implementing activities in the digital environment.

These goals demonstrate a commitment to shifting from "universal education" to "universal lifelong learning." However, it is crucial to make learning a self-driven need for every citizen.

Literacy classes in mountainous areas attract a large number of people to participate in learning.

In mountainous communes where economic conditions are still challenging, literacy programs remain a crucial foundation for building a learning society. In Mu Cang Chai commune, home to a large Mong ethnic minority population, literacy classes have been regularly maintained for many years.

Teacher Mua A Ly from Mo De Ethnic Boarding Primary and Secondary School said: “For literacy classes, many students are older and learn slowly, so teachers have to patiently guide them through each letter. But what's valuable is that everyone is very diligent; some even wrote their own names for the first time, which was very rewarding.”

Besides helping people become literate, community classes have also created significant changes in social life. By learning to read and write, women in mountainous areas have better access to information, a clearer understanding of the Party's guidelines and policies, and the State's laws and regulations, thereby enhancing their awareness of compliance and actively participating in community activities.

In particular, they are gradually being equipped with practical knowledge such as production techniques, animal husbandry, healthcare, and smartphone skills.

Ms. Ly Thi Dong from Mang Mu village, Mu Cang Chai commune, shared: "After going to school and learning to read and write, I also learned how to use a phone to send messages and how to read books to raise buffaloes and pigs."

Ms. Ly Thi Dong received dedicated instruction from her teacher.

Along with literacy programs, many localities have identified universal education and building a learning society as fundamental tasks in human development. In Muong Lai commune, a Steering Committee for universal education, literacy eradication, and building a learning society has been established; and universal education targets have been included in the socio-economic development resolution.

We have identified universal education and literacy eradication as key tasks, linked to improving the quality of human resources. This is a crucial factor in raising the intellectual level of the population and achieving sustainable poverty reduction.

Ms. Hoang Thi Thuy – Vice Chairperson of the People's Committee of Muong Lai Commune.

However, the reality shows that there are still many obstacles, such as: in many rural and mountainous areas, many people still believe that learning is only for school-aged children; the pressure of making a living also makes it difficult for people to participate in classes if the content is not truly practical.

A literacy class in a mountainous region.

Therefore, many localities have integrated learning content with the transfer of scientific and technical knowledge, vocational training, and business guidance on digital platforms. When people see concrete benefits from learning, they will participate more proactively.

Another highlight in building a learning society in Lao Cai is the "Learning Family," "Learning Clan," and "Learning Community" movement. Currently, the province has over 491,000 members of the Association for the Promotion of Learning; 303,660 "Learning Families," 1,177 "Learning Clans," and 2,643 "Learning Communities."

These figures demonstrate that the spirit of learning is spreading to every individual, every family, and every community. Many clans consider education to be their most valuable asset to pass on to future generations.

People from ethnic minority groups in the highlands have learned to do business on digital platforms.

A prime example is the Le Xuan family in Gia Phu commune. Recognizing that only knowledge can change lives, many generations of the family have joined hands to build a scholarship fund, supporting their children and grandchildren in attending school.

To date, the Le Xuan family has produced 9 master's degree holders, nearly 60 university graduates, and 57 Party members. This achievement not only reflects a tradition of valuing education but also demonstrates that when education becomes a core value in each family, the community will have a stronger impetus for sustainable development.

Mr. Le Xuan Dinh, head of the Le Xuan clan, shared: "The clan always monitors the circumstances of each family to provide timely support. For those in difficult situations, we contribute funds to buy books and stationery, and provide financial assistance so that the children can continue their education."

The spirit of lifelong learning is also demonstrated in individuals who are constantly innovating and researching to serve production. Labor Hero Vu Huu Le - Director of Hong Ha Mechanical Engineering Co., Ltd. is a prime example.

Despite being over 90 years old, Mr. Vu Huu Le continues to learn and conduct research.

Despite his advanced age, he continues to diligently research and manufacture various machines for agricultural production, such as tea rolling machines, cassava grinding machines, cassava noodle drying ovens, and clean cassava starch filtering systems.

Mr. Vu Huu Le shared: "People always need access to new knowledge. Therefore, I always learn on my own, learning from practice and from the farmers themselves to create the machinery they truly need."

This spirit of self-learning is the most vivid manifestation of a learning society, where learning is not limited by age, occupation, or environment.

Mr. Vu Huu Le is proud of the prestigious title of Hero of Labor.

According to Mr. Trieu Tien Thinh, Chairman of the Lao Cai Provincial Association for the Promotion of Learning, after the merger, the associations at all levels in the province are continuing to innovate their methods of operation, promoting the building of the title "Learning Citizen," and sustainably maintaining the models of "Learning Family" and "Learning Clan."

In the coming period, the Lao Cai Provincial Association for the Promotion of Learning will continue to organize training courses, workshops, and seminars; and mobilize the establishment of scholarship funds at all levels of the association to create conditions for the learning movement to develop more extensively.

Mr. Trieu Tien Thinh - Chairman of the Lao Cai Provincial Association for the Promotion of Learning.

Nevertheless, much work remains to be done to truly build a learning society. The key is to shift the approach from chasing targets to evaluating performance realistically; and to prioritize the learning needs of the people in developing appropriate content.

Students participate in experiential activities at school, contributing to spreading the spirit of proactive learning and building a learning society from the grassroots level.

Building a learning society is a long process, but when every citizen recognizes that learning is essential for their own lives, and when every family considers knowledge as their most valuable asset, then "lifelong learning" will no longer be a slogan but will become a part of daily life.

And that journey begins in small classrooms in remote highland villages, from studious families, and from the persistent spirit of self-learning of ordinary people in Lao Cai today.

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Source: https://baolaocai.vn/khi-hoc-suot-doi-tro-thanh-nhu-cau-tu-than-post899408.html