Teacher's Day, even without flowers or gifts, is still heartwarming.

Recently, the Department of Education and Training of Dong Nai province announced measures to promote thrift and prevent waste, including not accepting flowers, gifts, or entertaining guests, in celebration of the 43rd anniversary of Vietnamese Teachers' Day on November 20th.

This year, the Department of Education and Training also encouraged educational institutions throughout the province to strictly implement regulations on practicing thrift and preventing waste; at the same time, it encouraged schools to allocate resources from organizing activities to celebrate Vietnamese Teachers' Day to continue supporting people in provinces and cities in overcoming the consequences of natural disasters.

No waste of money for parents.

According to the Department of Education and Training, maintaining the tradition of not accepting flowers, gifts, or receiving guests on the occasion of Vietnamese Teachers' Day is not a new practice. In fact, many provinces, cities, and educational institutions nationwide have been implementing this for quite some time. For example, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Education and Training has maintained the practice of not accepting flowers, gifts, or receiving guests to congratulate on Vietnamese Teachers' Day for the 13th year, and continues this tradition this year.

Students from Lac Hong Bilingual Primary, Secondary, and High School draw pictures as gifts for their teachers to celebrate the 43rd anniversary of Vietnamese Teachers' Day on November 20th. Photo: Cong Nghia

For example, some private high schools in Dong Nai province have for many years allowed teachers to receive flowers to congratulate them on Vietnamese Teachers' Day (November 20th), but absolutely forbid them from receiving gifts from parents, especially cash or other material gifts. According to the principal of a private high school in Tran Bien ward, for over 10 years the school has maintained this rule of not accepting gifts from parents on November 20th or other holidays. This is to prevent negative incidents or create awkward situations for parents who are not financially well-off. Teachers have no concerns about maintaining this practice, as the school's policies and benefits are quite good. The school also has its own special program to support and encourage teachers on November 20th.

The principal of a public school in Trang Dai ward shared: "Our school has over 80 classes, and every November 20th, the principal's and vice-principal's offices are full of flowers. If every class gave a flower arrangement costing an average of 500,000 VND, the total amount would be considerable. Therefore, not giving flowers or gifts on Vietnamese Teachers' Day can save a significant amount of money for parents, especially those who are struggling financially."

The principal further shared: Following the policy of the Department of Education and Training, this year the school will practice frugality and prevent waste through practical actions. Accordingly, the school has instructed homeroom teachers and parent representatives of each class to refrain from giving flowers to the teachers in the School Board. The school encourages the school-level Parent Representative Committee, if possible, to present only one flower arrangement from representatives of all classes to the school's teaching staff. The money that parents have contributed to buy flowers for the School Board can be transferred to support people affected by natural disasters, as called for by the Department of Education and Training.

Educating about the spirit of saving

Following the Department of Education and Training's announcement that schools would not accept flowers, gifts, or receive guests on the occasion of Vietnamese Teachers' Day on November 20th, many schools in the province have responded positively. Many school principals stated that the Department of Education and Training's policy is very correct, as the whole country is implementing the Party's policy of practicing thrift and preventing waste and corruption. This policy is also humane; instead of spending money on flowers for teachers, parents can donate it to support those affected by floods and storms. This makes parents, students, and teachers feel happy and it is meaningful, while also educating students about solidarity and compassion.

Mr. Hoac Cong Son, Principal of Dieu Cai High School (La Nga commune), said: After receiving the notification from the Department of Education and Training, on November 12th, the school issued a call to action to commemorate the 43rd anniversary of Vietnamese Teachers' Day. Accordingly, during the commemoration ceremony on the morning of November 17th, the school will launch a campaign for staff, teachers, students, and parents to support those affected by the second wave of natural disasters. The school also informed agencies, units, and parents attending the ceremony that instead of giving flowers or gifts, they should donate money to support those affected by the natural disasters...

This year's 43rd anniversary of Vietnamese Teachers' Day on November 20th is not the first time the Department of Education and Training has refrained from accepting flowers, gifts, and receiving guests; this practice has been maintained regularly for the past five years. Firstly, this is a concrete and practical action demonstrating frugality and preventing waste. Secondly, it avoids causing inconvenience to other agencies and units, and allows these resources to be focused on other essential tasks at the end of the year.

Provincial Party Committee member, Director of the Department of Education and Training, TRUONG THI KIM HUE

For teachers, Vietnamese Teachers' Day on November 20th has become a sacred and meaningful day, a day for the whole society to show appreciation for educators. However, the Department of Education and Training's call for schools to practice frugality, refrain from accepting flowers and gifts, and avoid entertaining guests on Vietnamese Teachers' Day does not displease teachers. Mr. Nguyen Van Vien, Principal of Nguyen Binh Khiem High School (Nhon Trach commune), shared: “On November 20th, teachers don't necessarily need to receive flowers and gifts to feel complete joy. This year, many provinces and cities have been devastated by natural disasters, so if the money spent on flowers and gifts for teachers were instead used to support those affected by the disasters, especially teachers in disadvantaged areas, it would be more meaningful.”

Mr. Do Manh Toan, Principal of Binh Long Specialized High School (Binh Long Ward), said: Responding to the call from the Department of Education and Training, this year's activities celebrating Vietnamese Teachers' Day were organized simply but still meaningfully. Many activities such as cultural events, arts, and sports were canceled to focus on teaching and learning. Responding to the Department of Education and Training's call for practicing frugality in organizing activities to celebrate Vietnamese Teachers' Day on November 20th, the school also encouraged teachers, students, and parents to practice frugality to support those affected by natural disasters during the flag-raising ceremony on Monday morning, November 17th.

Cong Nghia

Source: https://baodongnai.com.vn/xa-hoi/giao-duc/202511/ngay-nha-giao-khong-hoa-khong-qua-van-am-ap-9361fed/