Notice 81, issued on 18/7/2025 and signed by Permanent Member of the Secretariat Tran Cam Tu, states that investing in boarding schools in 248 border communities is crucial for socioeconomic development and implementing ethnic policies. The program aims to improve literacy rates, develop human resources, train ethnic minority officials, and enhance the material and spiritual well-being of people in border regions. It also contributes to strengthening national defense and security.

In the initial phase, the Politburo has approved a pilot program to build or renovate 100 schools in 2025, to be completed by the start of the next academic year at the latest. This pilot program will serve as a model for expansion, aiming to complete 248 schools within the next two to three years. The schools must meet technical standards for size and area, have adequate facilities for learning, cultural activities, physical education, and comfortable living conditions, ensuring absolute safety.

The Politburo has assigned the Government to lead and direct ministries, sectors, and border localities in implementing this program. The Party Committee of the Ministry of Education and Training will coordinate with localities to review and revise boarding and semi-boarding policies suitable for the terrain and distances in border communities. They will also develop plans for teacher placement and training, including teachers proficient in ethnic minority languages, and propose appropriate operating budgets and allowances. The Ministry also needs to develop policies to attract personnel and encourage schools nationwide to partner with and support schools in border areas.

Cha Lan Primary School, in a border district of Thanh Hoa province, was inaugurated and handed over to the local community by the Hope Foundation and FPT in October 2024. Photo: Le Hoang

Cha Lan Primary School, in a border district of Thanh Hoa province, was inaugurated and handed over to the local community by the Hope Foundation and FPT in October 2024. Photo: Le Hoang

The Party Committee of the Ministry of Construction, in coordination with the Ministry of Education and Training and the Committee for Ethnic Minority Affairs, will develop standard designs for combined-level boarding schools for localities to reference.

The Party Committee of the Ministry of Finance will collaborate with the Ministry of Education and Training and the People's Committees of the provinces to balance the central and local budgets and other legal funding sources (primarily the central budget) to determine the total investment, implementation schedule, and contractor selection process. They will also ensure regular operating funds for the schools.

The People's Committees of border provinces will coordinate with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to review and adjust planning, allocate land funds, and ensure technical infrastructure (electricity, water, transportation) for school construction. Local authorities are responsible for implementation and close supervision, mobilizing armed forces and social organizations to participate in construction, ensuring progress and quality, and preventing losses, waste, and negativity. They will also develop plans for effective operation after the projects are completed.

The Party Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front and central social organizations are tasked with launching a nationwide movement to support school construction in border communities.

The Government's Party Committee is responsible for directing the Party Committee of the Ministry of Education and Training and relevant agencies to monitor, expedite, and guide implementation, promptly reporting any difficulties beyond their authority. During implementation, they must strengthen inspection and supervision, strictly prohibiting loss, waste, and negativity.

Vu Tuan