Great vision of education

Despite being just over 500 words long, the letter contains a grand vision of an independent, humane, liberal, and inclusive education system; and simultaneously inspires the national aspiration to reach global heights.

Uncle Ho began the letter with simple yet proud words: "Today is the first day of school in the Democratic Republic of Vietnam." After nearly a century under colonial rule, Vietnamese students were for the first time able to study in an independent country, with an education system entirely for the benefit of their nation.

He emphasized that the new education system must "train students to become useful citizens for Vietnam," while also helping to "fully develop the inherent abilities" of each student. This is a modern educational philosophy that places the learner at the center, values individuality, and promotes holistic human development.

Uncle Ho's educational philosophy went beyond individual training, expanding to encompass a vision for the community and the nation. This is also the direction of modern education – not just teaching knowledge, but also fostering self-learning abilities, critical thinking, creativity, and a sense of social responsibility.

Not only did President Ho Chi Minh focus on domestic education, but he also clearly demonstrated an open-minded and inclusive ideology. He particularly encouraged learning foreign languages, accessing advanced science and technology, and broadening one's horizons to the world. This serves as a guiding principle for Vietnamese education today: preserving national identity while always being ready to absorb the best of humanity.

In particular, Uncle Ho's advice in the letter became a timeless rallying cry: "Whether the Vietnamese nation will become beautiful and prosperous, and whether the Vietnamese people will reach the pinnacle of glory and stand shoulder to shoulder with the great powers of the five continents, depends largely on the learning efforts of you young people."

It was not just encouragement, but also a message of great expectation for the younger generation. This advice has become a guiding principle for generations of Vietnamese students, fostering a spirit of learning, striving for excellence, and contributing to the country.

From the simple classrooms of the resistance war era to the modern lecture halls of today, Vietnamese students have gradually realized President Ho Chi Minh's aspirations through concrete actions and results.

After nearly 40 years of reform, Vietnam has achieved remarkable successes. Its GDP has surpassed $506 billion, almost 20 times higher than in 1986, ranking 33rd in the world . In the fields of science and education, many Vietnamese scientists have received international recognition. Vietnamese students consistently achieve high results at international Olympiads, ranking in the top 10 in many subjects. These achievements affirm the intellectual potential and global competitiveness of Vietnam's young generation.

However, education should not only focus on intellectual development, but also on character formation, fostering social responsibility, great ambition, and the ability to integrate into the global community. In the era of globalization, digital transformation, and artificial intelligence, Vietnam needs global citizens who possess both professional competence and cultural understanding, as well as independent, creative thinking and a spirit of service.

A nation is only truly strong when it awakens aspirations and knowledge in each generation. And now, the aspiration to "stand shoulder to shoulder with the world's leading powers" is gradually being realized through persistent efforts in every classroom, every individual, and every innovative policy.

From education to national development strategy, every effort today is how the present generation continues to write that sacred legacy. The nation's journey forward is being further strengthened, starting with the 14th National Congress of the Party in 2026. The vision of Vietnam becoming a developed, high-income, happy, and civilized nation by 2045, capable of standing shoulder to shoulder with the rest of the world, is gradually becoming a reality.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/tam-nhin-vi-dai-ve-nen-giao-duc-185250904214205919.htm