Ho Tan Minh, Chief of Office of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Education and Training, emphasized this point at a press conference on linked education activities and semi-boarding meals on the afternoon of 18/12.

According to Minh, the general education program mandates two sessions daily at the primary level and encourages it at the secondary level, aiming for comprehensive development of students' capabilities and qualities. Principals are responsible for arranging teaching plans, including the Ministry's standard curriculum and supplementary activities.

For supplementary content, schools are permitted to link with external units to teach essential skills such as foreign languages with native speakers, artificial intelligence (AI), and soft skills. However, this is only for areas where the school cannot organize it themselves.

"Not all content should be linked to collect fees from parents. Schools are not business entities," Minh affirmed.

The process for implementing linked programs must ensure transparency, voluntary parental registration, and appropriate class arrangements. Minh stated that the Department has repeatedly instructed schools to prevent students from being "sidelined" if they do not register for elective lessons.

Ho Tan Minh discusses linked programs on the afternoon of 18/12. Photo: Le Nguyen

Ho Tan Minh discusses linked programs on the afternoon of 18/12. Photo: Le Nguyen

Nguyen Bao Quoc, Deputy Director of the Department, emphasized that voluntariness is a prerequisite. For students who do not register for linked learning, schools must organize cultural, sports, arts, or science clubs for them to participate in during that time.

However, through actual inspections, Department leaders still found that some schools have not implemented it correctly. Common issues include: not fully disclosing program information or arranging unreasonable timetables.

"The Department will rectify and impose disciplinary action if serious violations are found," Quoc stated.

Three days prior, when meeting with Hanoi voters, General Secretary To Lam stated that he had received public feedback regarding some schools linking with companies, bringing in external teachers, and charging fees exceeding the tuition waived by the State for students.

The Party leader emphasized that the State manages and is responsible for education and universal programs. If educational institutions lack teachers for subjects such as music, fine arts, or foreign languages, they must organize training and arrange them scientifically and reasonably, rather than bringing in external teachers to collect fees from parents.

"Schools cannot be turned into places for services and fee collection," the General Secretary said, adding that this approach goes against the nature of education and causes public discontent.

Students at Bui Van Moi Primary School, Phuoc Long ward, 9/2025. Photo: Quynh Tran

Students at Bui Van Moi Primary School, Phuoc Long ward, 9/2025. Photo: Quynh Tran

Le Nguyen