Free textbooks, opening the door to knowledge.

In all development policies, education is always considered the foundation, the key to unlocking the door to the future. Therefore, every reform step in this field has a significant ripple effect.

The Politburo 's issuance of Resolution No. 71-NQ/TW on breakthroughs in education and training development, which includes the goal of providing free textbooks to students by 2030, is therefore not just an administrative decision, but also a powerful message about the aspiration to build a just and humane society.

Upon its promulgation, this policy received widespread support from all segments of the population. Many opinions suggested that this was a policy with profound humanitarian significance, demonstrating the Party and State's determination to comprehensively care for the cause of education , transforming slogans into concrete actions, and aiming for the sustainable development of the country.

For a long time, "Education is the top national priority" has been a familiar saying. But for this affirmation to truly become a reality, it must not remain just a slogan, but be realized through specific and practical policies. The policy of free tuition at the secondary level and the upcoming free provision of textbooks are clear evidence of this.

In reality, many children have had to drop out of school due to extremely difficult family circumstances, lacking the financial means to buy textbooks and uniforms. A new set of textbooks each year is a significant expense for many poor families, especially in remote areas. When the government takes responsibility, this burden is lifted, and the doors to school will be wider open for children. This also means that opportunities to access knowledge become more equitable, regardless of background or economic conditions.

The social significance of this policy becomes even clearer in the current context. With over 20 million primary and secondary school students nationwide, providing free textbooks not only economically supports millions of families but also represents a strong commitment: no child should be left behind. Every student has the right to receive the best possible education, to grow up and contribute to building the nation. This is a strategic investment that not only addresses immediate issues but also builds a solid foundation for the future.

However, this political determination comes with significant challenges. Providing free textbooks to all students requires a very large budget, along with a very strict management, publishing, and distribution mechanism. It's not just about printing and distributing books, but also about considering long-term use and reuse to avoid waste.

International experience shows that in many countries, textbooks are typically managed through a borrowing and returning system via school libraries instead of being distributed annually. This approach saves costs and contributes to educating students about the importance of preserving books and valuing knowledge. Vietnam can learn from this to develop a suitable mechanism that ensures the effectiveness and sustainability of the policy.

It can be said that Resolution No. 71-NQ/TW has opened a new chapter for Vietnamese education, affirming the strategic vision of the Party and State in caring for future generations. From the policy of waiving tuition fees for primary and secondary school students, to the further step of free textbooks, the State has sent a clear message: investing in education is investing in the future of the nation. And that is the most sustainable investment.

Source: https://baodaklak.vn/giao-duc/202509/mien-phi-sach-giao-khoa-mo-canh-cua-tri-thuc-3931ad0/