Improving the quality of ethnic boarding schools and narrowing the educational gap in disadvantaged areas.

GD&TĐ - The system of ethnic boarding schools has received investment attention, but there are still many obstacles that need to be overcome to maximize the effectiveness of the investment.

Affirming the quality of education

According to Mr. Dinh Thai Vinh Tra, Head of the Department of Ethnic Minority Education and Students, Vinh Long Department of Education and Training, the province has 9 ethnic minority boarding schools with 87 classes and 3,045 students; 100% of the students are from ethnic minorities (Khmer and Hoa). In addition, the province also has one Pali-Khmer vocational school with 6 classes and 215 students.

For many years, the development of local education has always been a priority for all levels and sectors, considered a crucial task. Thanks to close coordination between government agencies, the education sector, and the community, investment in ethnic boarding schools under Sub-project 1 - Project 5 of the National Target Program for socio -economic development in ethnic minority areas in Vinh Long has achieved many positive results.

Specifically, investments were made in infrastructure and equipment for 8 ethnic boarding schools (7 at the district level and 1 at the provincial level) with a total investment of 99,533 million VND. All component projects have been inspected, completed, and put into use (8 out of 8 projects), meeting the approved scale, volume, and timeframe, thus achieving the investment objectives.

The procurement of equipment to support digital transformation in education activities has been carried out for all 8 schools, including equipment for online teaching rooms combined with online meetings. By July 25, 2025, the investment targets for infrastructure and equipment according to the plan for the 2021-2025 period have been completed.

With the investment in infrastructure and equipment from Program 1719, the quality of education in ethnic minority and mountainous areas of the province has improved significantly, creating a solid foundation for ensuring equity in access to education and improving the quality of mass education, contributing to narrowing the development gap between regions.

The percentage of junior high school graduates entering 10th grade in senior high school reached 98.9%, with approximately 40% attending ethnic minority boarding schools. The high school graduation rate was 100%; the number of high school graduates entering universities, colleges, and vocational schools exceeded 70%.

Students of Vinh Long Ethnic Boarding High School.

Improving policies and enhancing the quality of ethnic boarding schools.

Besides the achievements, during the implementation of the contents and activities of Sub-project 1, Project 5, National Target Program for socio-economic development in ethnic minority and mountainous areas, the province still encountered some difficulties and shortcomings.

Firstly, the system of ethnic boarding schools in the former Tra Vinh area comprises 8 schools, of which 1 school is located in a commune/ward not included in the list of communes approved by Decision No. 861/QD-TTg dated June 4, 2021, of the Prime Minister.

Secondly, regarding the technical design: The existing facilities of the school previously had fire safety approvals, but when new facilities were added, additional requirements were made for an automatic fire alarm system, indoor and outdoor fire extinguishing systems, auxiliary staircases, etc. These requirements resulted in a significant increase in volume and cost, but were not included in the list of construction items stipulated in the investment content of the Program.

Thirdly, regarding equipment procurement: Currently, the Ministry of Education and Training has not yet issued specific guidelines on the list of equipment for digital transformation and teaching, which localities can use as a basis for procurement.

Given the above situation, the implementation of the objectives of Sub-project 1 – Project 5 is currently behind schedule (the advisory body and competent authority have not yet agreed on the procedures), affecting the disbursement of operational funds under the National Target Program for socio-economic development in ethnic minority and mountainous areas, giai đoạn 2021-2030, phase 1 (from 2021 to 2025).

Based on practical difficulties, the Department of Education and Training of Vinh Long Province proposes that the Ministry of Education and Training research and adjust the regulations on student enrollment criteria stipulated in Clause 3, Article 9 of Circular No. 04/2023/TT-BGDĐT dated February 23, 2023, on the promulgation of the Regulations on the organization and operation of ethnic boarding schools, to suit the current situation of communes in areas with particularly difficult socio-economic conditions that have been recognized as achieving new rural standards; and at the same time, research policies for articulation programs from ethnic boarding schools to university level.

Source: https://giaoducthoidai.vn/nang-chat-truong-dan-toc-noi-tru-thu-hep-khoang-cach-giao-duc-vung-kho-post754449.html