Expectations for the new school year

THE HISTORY OF THE SCHOOL OPENING DAY HAS CONTINUED WITH A SPIRIT FULL OF PRIDE AND A SHARED, INTENSE ASPIRATION, FROM THE AUTUMN OF THE ERA OF NATIONAL INDEPENDENCE TO THE AUTUMN OF THE NATION'S RISE: TO DEVELOP VIETNAMESE PEOPLE HOLISTICALLY, TO TRAIN "USEFUL CITIZENS FOR VIETNAM", AND TO LEAD THE COUNTRY TO A NEW DAY. THE MORE POWERFUL, PROSPEROUS, AND HAPPY WE BECOME.

A letter from President Ho Chi Minh to students on the first day of school in independent Vietnam.

Eighty years into the nation's history, exactly three days after reading the "Declaration of Independence" that gave birth to the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, on September 5, 1945, President Ho Chi Minh wrote "A Letter to Students" on the occasion of the opening day of the first school year in independent Vietnam. Since then, September 5th has become the opening day of the new school year for the entire education sector nationwide. The letter from this brilliant leader – though he humbly considered himself "an elder brother" – is filled with love, hope, and a reminder of the responsibility to "rebuild the legacy that our ancestors left us."

For 80 years under slavery, the Vietnamese people "had to endure a slave education system," especially with over 90% of the population being illiterate, which made "the country weak and vulnerable." Therefore, in the first school year of the era of national independence, he affirmed the good fortune and joy that "you children are beginning to receive a completely Vietnamese education," "an education that fully develops your inherent abilities," which he attributed to "the sacrifices of countless compatriots," and therefore he urged them to consider "how to repay" that contribution. "The elder brother" hoped that "you children would strive, study diligently, be obedient, listen to your teachers, and love your friends."

For the past 80 years, the Party and State have consistently prioritized education and training, adhering to the principle that education and training is a "top national priority," a "cause of the Party, the State, and the entire people," and that investing in education is investing in development. They have implemented major strategies to promote educational development. Vietnam's education system has achieved many significant accomplishments, from eradicating illiteracy to fundamental and comprehensive reform, international integration, and strong digital transformation in the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Vietnam is among the 21 countries that are expected to achieve the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals for quality education by 2030.

Eighty years after the first opening of the school year, the history of the nation and the country's education and training sector continues to witness significant changes: the revolution to streamline the organizational structure of the political system and operate a two-tiered local government model. This revolution is a strategic breakthrough that will lead the country to comprehensive development. Education has truly become an inseparable part of this revolution, with new opportunities, as affirmed by the Minister of Education and Training, Nguyen Kim Son: "Not standing on the outside, not walking on the periphery, but being inside."

For 80 years, alongside the nation, Lao Cai province has persistently strived to build a comprehensive education system, from standardizing the teaching staff to investing in infrastructure and improving the overall quality of education, including specialized education. Students from the border region of Lao Cai are increasingly appearing on the honor roll of national and international outstanding students. Education in mountainous areas and ethnic minority education is a top priority for the locality, with the proactive implementation of many specific mechanisms and policies. Annual budget allocation for education and training consistently accounts for nearly 40% of the province's total recurrent expenditure.

Building upon the inspiration of the "Popular Education Movement" for 80 years, Lao Cai is launching a new revolution: the "Digital Popular Education Movement." This represents an elevation of the achievements in universal education and literacy eradication, fostering a proactive learning spirit and encouraging people to actively engage with digital technology, aiming to cultivate a generation of "digital citizens" and build a digital society. Preparing thoroughly for the 2025-2026 school year, Lao Cai is determined to achieve the goal of building a generation of comprehensively developed citizens who are confident and actively contribute to the overall development of the country in the new era.

Eighty years of continuity, from the beginning to the end of each new school year, represents society's expectation for the development of education and training. The opening day of the 2025-2026 school year will witness the opening of an era of national progress for education. Notably, for the first time, all educational institutions nationwide will simultaneously raise the flag and sing the national anthem during this opening ceremony, conducted online. This also marks the effective date of the Politburo's decision to completely waive tuition fees for students from preschool to high school in public schools nationwide.

Eighty years ago, President Ho Chi Minh wrote "A Letter to Students" on the occasion of the nation's first school opening day. Eighty years later, welcoming the new school year 2025-2026, General Secretary To Lam signed and promulgated Resolution 71-NQ/TW of the Politburo on breakthroughs in education and training development. Resolution 71-NQ/TW demonstrates the Party's very high political determination to place education and training at the center of the national development strategy. This shows the great expectations and utmost concern that the Party and State of Vietnam have for the cause of education and training. These expectations remain as President Ho Chi Minh earnestly advised during his lifetime: "Whether the Vietnamese nation will become beautiful and prosperous, and whether the Vietnamese people will reach the pinnacle of glory to stand shoulder to shoulder with the great powers of the world, depends largely on the learning efforts of the students."

Source: https://baolaocai.vn/ky-vong-nam-hoc-moi-post881329.html