Vietnam: Is universalization of education a mandatory responsibility?

Vietnam: Is universalization of education a mandatory responsibility?

Pursuant to Article 14 of the Law on Education 2019 which stipulates the regulations on Universalization of education and compulsory education as follows:

Universalization of education and Compulsory Education

1. Primary education is compulsory education.

The State implements universal preschool education for children aged 5 and universal middle school education.

2. The State is responsible for implementing compulsory education nationwide; deciding plans and ensuring conditions for the Universalization of education implementation.

3. All citizens within the prescribed age must fulfill their obligation to participate in Universalization of education and complete compulsory education.

4. Families and guardians are responsible for creating conditions for family members within the prescribed age to study to fulfill the requirement of Universalization of education and complete compulsory education.

Universalization of education is a mandatory responsibility especially for primary education.

All citizens within the prescribed age must fulfill the obligation to participate in Universalization of education. Families and guardians are responsible for creating conditions for individuals to participate in Universalization of education.

Is the priority to investment given to universalization of education in ethnic minority areas in Vietnam?

According to Article 17 of the Law on Education 2019, it stipulates the regulations on educational investment as follows:

Investment in Education

1. Investment in education is an investment in development. Investment in the field of education is an activity under conditional business investment sectors and is entitled to incentives and investment support as stipulated by law.

2. The State prioritizes investment and attracts other investment sources for education; prioritizes investment in Universalization of education, development of education in mountainous areas, islands, ethnic minority areas, areas with particularly difficult socio-economic conditions, and areas with industrial zones.

The State encourages and protects the legal rights and interests of domestic organizations and individuals, overseas Vietnamese, and foreign organizations and individuals investing in education.

3. The state budget plays a key role in the total investment resources for education.

Thus, pursuant to the above regulations, Universalization of education in ethnic minority areas will be prioritized for State investment and other investment sources can also be attracted.

Furthermore, Universalization of education in ethnic minority areas, in addition to being prioritized for State investment, requires coordination from various entities and society in the activities of secondary education universalization and Universalization of education activities to develop the country's education, such as:

- Schools are responsible for implementing the plan of Universalization of education (Clause 1 of Article 89 of the Law on Education 2019).

- Agencies, organizations, and social individuals are responsible for "Creating conditions for citizens within the prescribed age to fulfill their obligation to study to achieve Universalization of education and complete compulsory education in order to enable students to engage in healthy cultural, physical, and sports activities." (point c of Clause 1 of Article 93 of the Law on Education 2019).

- Meanwhile, the state budget will “ensure the budget to implement Universalization of education, develop education in ethnic minority areas and areas with particularly difficult socio-economic conditions." (Article 96 of the Law on Education 2019)

- Most importantly, families, particularly parents or guardians, have the responsibility to nurture, educate, and care for children or wards, creating the conditions for them to study and fulfill Universalization of education requirements…. (Clause 1 of Article 90 of the Law on Education 2019).

Vietnam: Is universalization of education a mandatory responsibility? (Image from the Internet)

What are conditions for assurance of universalization of lower secondary education in Vietnam?

According to Article 5 of Circular 07/2016/TT-BGDDT, (some content has been suspended by point c of Clause 10 of Article 1 of Circular 29/2021/TT-BGDDT), there are 3 conditions for assurance of universalization of lower secondary education:

Condition 1. Regarding teachers and staff, the general education school implementing universalization of lower secondary education must have:

- Sufficient teachers and staff in charge of the library, equipment, experimentation, and office as stipulated in Joint Circular 35/2006/TTLT-BGDDT-BNV (this document has expired and been replaced by Circular 20/2023/TT-BGDDT).

- 100% of teachers meet the requirements of the secondary school teacher professional standards as stipulated in Circular 30/2009/TT-BGDDT (this document has expired and been replaced by Circular 20/2018/TT-BGDDT).

- A person assigned to monitor the Universalization of education, literacy eradication work in the area.

Condition 2. Regarding facilities and teaching equipment:

- The province, district must have a network of general education schools which implement universalization of lower secondary education in accordance with the plan, and transport conditions must ensure convenient and safe travel for students;

- General education schools implementing universalization of lower secondary education must have:

+ The number of classrooms must meet at least a 0.5-room/class ratio; classrooms must be built according to safety standards; have enough tables and chairs suitable for students; have boards, teacher’s desks, and chairs; sufficient lighting, warm in winter, cool in summer; have a minimum condition to facilitate learning for students with disabilities; have working rooms for the principal, vice-principal, an office, a meeting room for teachers and staff, a school health room, a library, and laboratories;

+ Sufficient minimum teaching equipment as stipulated in Circular 19/2009/TT-BGDDT (replaced by Circular 38/2021/TT-BGDDT).

+ A playground and sports field with appropriate area, used frequently and safely; green, clean, and beautiful environment; access to clean water and drainage systems; convenient, hygienic sanitary facilities exclusively for teachers, students, and separate for males and females.