Over 20% of students in Hue lack textbooks

Approximately 21% of students still do not have textbooks, prompting the Department of Education and Training to urgently organize a tender to address the shortage.

Pham Ba Thanh, Chief of Office of the Hue City Department of Education and Training, stated on 9/9 that the department is preparing to re-organize a tender to select a supplier, expected in about ten days.

Since mid-July, the city approved a plan to purchase textbooks for students from grade 1 to 12, with an estimated budget of approximately 52,8 billion VND. The books were to be provided on a borrow-and-return basis through school libraries.

By the end of August, the department reviewed student needs. The review revealed that the required funding was only over 28,2 billion VND. The demand for borrowed books was lower than expected, as many families had already purchased textbooks for their children before the new school year. Subsequently, the agency organized a tender, but no bidders participated.

According to Thanh, currently, over 21% of students in the area still lack textbooks. The department is seeking solutions to provide them as soon as possible. While awaiting a resolution, teachers are encouraged to utilize the digital learning resource repository of the Ministry of Education and Training for instruction, ensuring no disruption to the curriculum.

This year, the textbook shortage is widespread. Students began the new school year nearly one week ago, yet parents are still scrambling to find and purchase books for their children.