Speaking to the press about educational activities in public schools, the Chief of the Office of the Department of Education and Training, Ho Tan Minh, affirmed that the concept of "voluntary subjects" does not exist, contrary to some reports. These are activities aimed at developing students' competencies and qualities according to the 2018 General Education Program, and can be implemented within the main curriculum or as part of a school program developed by the principal.
According to Decree 24 and several related guiding circulars, heads of units are allowed to develop programs and organize collaborations with businesses and other units to carry out these activities. However, implementation must ensure the principles of fairness, transparency, quality, and be based on the voluntary participation of parents and students.
"Schools must prioritize utilizing available resources, only resorting to social mobilization when internal resources are insufficient to meet needs," he stated, while rejecting the notion that this constitutes the "commercialization of education."
Regarding food safety and nutritional content in school lunch programs, according to Mr. Ho Tan Minh, the Department has issued numerous relevant guidelines for the 2025-2026 school year. In addition, in coordination with the Food Safety Department, the Department has strengthened management, organized inspection teams to closely monitor the entire process from receiving to serving, and required schools to develop menus that ensure adequate nutrition and publicly display them weekly and monthly.
"Specifically, the Department requires coordination with parents in monitoring school lunch programs according to the conditions of each school. The principal must be responsible for all incidents that occur at the school," a representative of the Department of Education and Training said.
Deputy Director of the Department of Education and Training Nguyen Bao Quoc acknowledged that, in reality, there are still limitations in the implementation of education and boarding activities at some units. The Department will continue to review and provide specific guidance to ensure the rights and fairness of students.
"All activities in the educational environment must be implemented for the benefit of the city's students, in line with the spirit of focusing on developing high-quality human resources, creating a solid foundation for students to confidently develop and integrate internationally," he affirmed.
Regarding information on the Lunar New Year holiday schedule for students, Ho Tan Minh, Chief of the Office of the Department of Education and Training, said that the Department is proposing and submitting to the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee a plan for the Lunar New Year holiday for students in the city.
The planned holiday period is from the 25th day of the 12th lunar month (Thursday, February 12, 2026) to the 6th day of the 1st lunar month (Sunday, February 22, 2026).
Regarding the 2026 New Year's Day holiday, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Education and Training announced that students in Ho Chi Minh City will have one day off on January 1, 2026. This is the official holiday schedule and has been announced to all schools in the city.
Source: https://ttbc-hcm.gov.vn/so-gd-dt-tp-hcm-khong-co-khai-niem-mon-hoc-tu-nguyen-1020245.html
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