HÀ NỘI — Schools throughout the country held ceremonies yesterday to mark the new school year for 22 million Vietnamese attending a range of facilities from kindergartens to universities.

The activities included flag hoisting, the singing of the national anthem, reading of a presidential letter and cultural performances.

According to the Ministry of Education and Training, in the 2017-18 school year, there are more than five million kindergarten children, nearly eight million primary school students, five million secondary school students and 2.4 million high school students. About 1.7 million students are enrolled in universities and colleges throughout the country. 

President Trần Đại Quang, National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyễn Thị Kim Ngân, Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc and other leaders attended ceremonies at different educational facilities.

Speaking at the ceremony of Trưng Vương Secondary School in Hà Nội, the President expressed appreciation of the education sector’s efforts during the past school year.

He emphasised the importance of education as the foundation, motivation and goal of Việt Nam’s sustainable development. Understanding the significant role of education and training, the Communist Party of Việt Nam and the government always make it a priority of the nation’s development plan.

Quang acknowledged the education sector’s efforts in implementing the government’s policies on renewing and innovating curricula. Facilities are being improved and modernised. Educators and educational administrators are developing in both quantity and quality with a rational structure. The 2017 national examination and university entrance examination were well organised, he noted.

“In the 2016-17 school year, the quality of schooling improved. Việt Nam teams attending international mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology and IT Olympiads attained the highest achievements ever,” said Quang.

He urged the education sector to focus on providing fair access to all, improving curricula and setting up a friendly and safe academic environment. “I hope all Vietnamese students will promote traditional fondness of learning to serve the Motherland and the people,” the President said.

Meanwhile, Deputy President Đặng Thị Ngọc Thịnh and representatives of the Ministry of Education and Training attended the new school year ceremony at Mường La Boarding School for Ethnic Students in the northern mountainous province of Sơn La.

Sơn La, together with the neighbouring provinces of Lai Châu, Điện Biên and Yên Bái, were heavily damaged by floods early last month.

Speaking at the ceremony, Thịnh emphasised the school’s efforts to overcome challenges. The Deputy President called on local authorities to help rehabilitate local schools damaged by the historic August flooding.  

In the mountainous district of Mù Cang Chải in Yên Bái Province more than 17,000 students started the school year under heavy rain, hoping for a brighter year ahead. One month after the disaster, teachers and students have coped up with many difficulties to clean up and prepare facilities for the new school year.— VNS