Vietnam: What does "Visit paternal side on the first day, maternal side on the second day, and teachers on the third day" mean?

What does "Visit paternal side on the first day, maternal side on the second day, and teachers on the third day" mean?

The saying "Visit paternal side on the first day, maternal side on the second day, and teachers on the third day" reflects the beautiful tradition of Vietnamese people in expressing gratitude and respect towards the most important individuals in one's life during the Lunar New Year. The significance of this saying is as follows:

- Visit paternal side on the first day: This is the first day of the lunar new year, typically reserved for New Year greetings and family gatherings on the father's side. "Cha" in the saying represents the paternal lineage—ancestors and grandparents on the father's side—expressing filial piety and gratitude towards one's roots.

- Visit maternal side on the second day: The second day of the lunar new year is for visiting and wishing New Year greetings to the maternal family, i.e., the mother's side. This not only helps maintain the affection between the maternal and paternal sides but also honors the mother's vital role in the family.

- Visit teachers on the third day: This day is usually dedicated to visiting and extending wishes for Lunar New Year to teachers—those who have educated and imparted knowledge. This is a way to demonstrate the principle of respecting teachers, an invaluable tradition of the Vietnamese people, asserting that teachers hold an important position right after family.

This saying not only serves as a reminder of gratitude but also helps each individual maintain and pass on the cultural values of family and society across generations. It is also an occasion to strengthen the bonds in various relationships in life.

What does "Visit paternal side on the first day, maternal side on the second day, and teachers on the third day" mean? (Image from the Internet)

When is the 2024-2025 academic year in Vietnam expected to end?

Under Article 1 of Decision 2045/QD-BGDDT 2024:

Issuance of the framework for the 2024-2025 academic year plan for preschool, general education, and continuing education nationwide:

1. The earliest school opening date is set 1 week before the official commencement ceremony. For first graders, the earliest start date is 2 weeks prior to the commencement ceremony.

2. The commencement ceremony is organized on September 05, 2024.

3. The first semester ends before January 18, 2025, and the school year is completed before May 31, 2025.

4. The recognition of completion of primary education and graduation from lower secondary education is conducted before June 30, 2025.

5. Enrollment for the first grades of all educational levels is completed before July 31, 2025.

6. The national high school exam 2025 is scheduled to take place on June 26 and June 27, 2025.

7. Other national-level exams are organized as per the Ministry of Education and Training’s guidelines and regulations.

Thus, the 2024-2025 academic year is expected to end before May 31, 2025. After the 2024-2025 academic year ends, the following timelines must be complied with:

- The recognition of completion of primary education and graduation from lower secondary education is conducted before June 30, 2025.

- Enrollment for the first grades of all educational levels is completed before July 31, 2025.

- The national high school exam 2025 is scheduled to take place on June 26 and June 27, 2025.

What are the ages of students in Vietnam corresponding with their grades in the 2024 - 2025 academic year?

In Article 28 of the Education Law 2019 regarding educational levels and entry ages:

Educational levels and entry ages

1. Educational levels and age groups of general education are regulated as follows:

a) Primary education lasts for 05 school years, from the first to the fifth grade. The entry age for the first grade is 06;

b) Lower secondary education lasts for 04 school years, from the sixth to the ninth grade. Students must complete the primary educational programme before entering the sixth grade. The entry age for the sixth grade is 11;

c) Upper secondary education lasts for 03 school years, from the tenth to the twelfth grade. Students must complete the lower secondary educational programme before entering the tenth grade. The entry age for the tenth grade is 15;

2. Cases where schooling could be commenced at younger ages or at higher ages prescribed in clause 1 of this Article are as follows:

a) Commencing schooling at younger ages for students with early intellectual development;

b) Commencing schooling at older ages for students repeating classes, students living in areas with exceptional socio-economic difficulties, students belonging to ethnic minorities, disabled and handicapped students, students with physical or intellectual disadvantages, orphan students, students of poor households, students returning from overseas and other cases as prescribed by law.

3. General education shall be divided into 2 phases: basic education and career-orientated education. Basic education includes primary education and lower secondary education; career-oriented education is upper secondary education. Students of institutions of vocational education shall learn the upper secondary education knowledge.

4. The Minister of Education and Training shall stipulate the teaching and learning of the Vietnamese language to children of ethnic minorities prior to the commencement of the first grade; the teaching of the upper secondary education knowledge in institutions of vocational education; and the cases as prescribed in clause 2 of this Article.

Thus, the ages of students in Vietnam corresponding with their grades in the 2024 - 2025 academic year are as follows:

Note: The age table does not apply to cases of skipping grades or studying at an older age.