Vietnam: What are extracurricular activities?

What are extracurricular activities?

According to Clause 2, Article 2 of the Regulations on Management of Life Skills Education and Extracurricular Activities issued together with Circular 04/2014/TT-BGDDT of the Ministry of Education and Training of Vietnam:

Life skills education and extracurricular activities 

1. Life skills education activities referred to in these Regulations are understood as educational activities that help learners form and develop positive and healthy habits, behaviors and attitudes in dealing with personal and social life situations, thereby perfecting their personality and further improving their personal development orientation on the basis of life values.

2. Extracurricular activities referred to in this regulation are understood as educational activities designed to meet the needs of learners that are not part of the educational programs or plans approved by competent authorities.

Thus, extracurricular educational activity is educational activities that meet the needs of learners outside the program and educational plans approved by the competent authorities.

What is extracurricular educational activity? What are the conditions for extracurricular educational activities? (Image from the Internet)

What are the principles of life skills education and extracurricular activities

According to Article 3 of the Regulations on Management of Life Skills Education and Extracurricular Activities issued together with Circular 04/2014/TT-BGDDT, the principles of extracurricular educational activities are as follows:

- Life skills education and extracurricular activities should contribute to consolidating and improving knowledge, skills and character education for learners; should be tailored to psycho-physiological characteristics of learners and aligned with Vietnamese fine customs and traditions.

- Educational institutions shall be held responsible for educational contents and quality of life skills education and extracurricular activities.

- None of violations against Regulations on extra-class learning or tutoring activities is permitted.

- Learners can participate in these educational activities of their own free will.

What are the conditions for extracurricular educational activities?

According to Chapter II of the Regulations on Management of Life Skills Education and Extracurricular Educational Activities issued together with Circular 04/2014/TT-BGDDT, the conditions for extracurricular educational activities are as follows:

- Physical facilities:

+ There must be classrooms and functional rooms with adequate lighting and meeting safety and hygiene standards according to regulations.

+ Teaching equipment must ensure safety and suitability to the teaching content, activities, and psychology of learners.

- Teachers, lecturers, trainers:

+ Must have sufficient health conditions.

+ Must have good moral qualities; not under disciplinary actions from reprimand or above, and not being criminally prosecuted.

+ Must have pedagogical certificates; understanding in the areas of life skills or relevant educational activities.

- Curriculum, materials:

There must be sufficient curriculum and materials issued or approved by the Ministry of Education and Training.

If the curriculum and materials are self-selected or self-built, it must be licensed by the competent authorities or confirmed to register the activity as stated in Articles 7 and 8 of the Regulations on Management of Life Skills Education and Extracurricular Educational Activities issued together with Circular 04/2014/TT-BGDDT and approved; ensuring the requirements, with content suitable for Vietnamese customs and traditions, and not contrary to the provisions of law.

What is the authority, dossier, procedure for licensing extracurricular educational activities?

According to Article 7 of the Regulations on Management of Life Skills Education and Extracurricular Educational Activities issued together with Circular 04/2014/TT-BGDDT, the regulations on authority, dossier, and procedures for licensing extracurricular educational activities are as follows:

- Authority to issue licenses:

+ The Director of the Department of Education and Training grants permission for the activities of units specified in section b, Clause 2, Article 1 of the Regulations on Management of Life Skills Education and Extracurricular Educational Activities issued together with Circular 04/2014/TT-BGDDT;

+ The university or college principal grants permission for units within the school operating within the campus.

- Dossier for requesting a license includes:

+ A proposal for licensing extracurricular educational activities. The proposal details the objectives, tasks, programs, and content of education and training; land, physical facilities, equipment, location, organizational structure, finance, and other resources; commitment to ensuring security, order, environmental hygiene, and strictly complying with the regulations of the managing authorities where the extracurricular educational activities are conducted.

+ Business registration certificate.

+ List and abbreviated biographies with valid proofs for the board of directors, teachers, trainers, and lecturers (clearly stating full names, academic levels, positions, professions, pedagogical abilities, and understanding in the areas of life skills or relevant educational activities) involved in organizing and conducting extracurricular educational activities.

+ Operation plan, curriculum, and teaching materials.

- Procedures for licensing:

Step 1: The unit submits an application dossier for licensing to the competent authority.

Step 2: Within 15 working days from the receipt of a complete and valid dossier, the competent authority assesses the dossier, checks the operational conditions, and decides whether to grant the license or not. In case of refusal, a written response with reasons must be provided.