On the evening of November 17, the National Assembly Standing Committee convened its 51st session to discuss the investment policy for a national target program aimed at modernizing and enhancing the quality of education and training for the 2026–2035 period.

Presenting the proposal, Minister of Education and Training Nguyen Kim Son outlined a 10-year plan divided into two phases.

The overarching goal of the program is to standardize and comprehensively modernize the education system, creating fundamental and robust improvements in quality. It aims to expand learning opportunities for all, ensure equitable access to education, and uphold the right to lifelong learning. The program is designed to better meet the demand for a skilled workforce, particularly high-quality personnel, to support sustainable and rapid national development.

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Minister of Education and Training Nguyen Kim Son presents the proposal. Photo: National Assembly

The program outlines specific targets to be achieved by 2030. For early childhood and general education, the focus is on gradual standardization. Resources will be concentrated on building permanent school infrastructure to ensure that 100% of classrooms meet required standards. This includes adequate facilities and equipment, with special emphasis on subject-specific classrooms, laboratories, STEM/STEAM spaces, recreational areas, and physical training environments.

In general education, 50% of schools will establish and operate ecosystems that nurture talent, providing environments to identify and develop gifted students and support their participation in scientific, technological, and entrepreneurial projects. Half of all schools will have trained staff to advise on entrepreneurship, with a target ratio of one advisor per 800 students.

At least 70% of students will take part in one or more physical, cultural, or artistic activities. Half of all educational institutions will have regularly operating clubs in sports and culture. Additionally, 50% of students will participate in at least one community service activity or project, contributing to character development, life skills, and social responsibility.

Looking ahead to 2035, the program aims for 100% of early childhood and general education institutions to meet infrastructure standards. All schools at these levels will also be equipped with the necessary resources to integrate English as a second language in their curriculum.

Educators, school administrators, and students will be equipped with advanced competencies in digital technology, interdisciplinary teaching, and the ability to deliver science subjects in English.

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Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Nguyen Khac Dinh speaks. Photo: National Assembly

According to Minister Nguyen Kim Son, the total projected investment for the 2026–2035 period is approximately USD 23.2 billion. Of this, around USD 14 billion (60.2%) will come from the central government budget, USD 4.6 billion (19.9%) from local budgets, USD 3.6 billion (15.4%) from matching funds provided by vocational and higher education institutions, and about USD 1 billion (4.5%) from other legal sources.

The minimum funding needed for the first five years (2026–2030) is estimated at USD 7 billion.

During discussions, Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Nguyen Khac Dinh emphasized the need to align with existing resolutions that state “educating people means fostering comprehensive development” and that “literacy must go hand in hand with character building and vocational training.”

He stressed the importance of teaching the five moral lessons by President Ho Chi Minh to children. He also pointed out the lack of adequate school spaces for students to engage in physical exercises before or between classes.

Dinh underlined the significance of life skills education and expressed his sorrow over tragic cases of student drowning during summer breaks. “Every child must know how to swim, first to save themselves, and then, if they are good swimmers, to help others during floods,” he said.

Citing General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong’s vision that every student should be able to play at least one musical instrument, Dinh added that students should also be proficient in at least one sport and one art form. This, he argued, would help build both their skills and health.

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Chairwoman of the Committee on Science, Technology and Environment Nguyen Thanh Hai. Photo: National Assembly

Chairwoman of the Committee on Science, Technology and Environment, Nguyen Thanh Hai, brought attention to concerns over student ethics and the credibility of current evaluations.

She argued that while academic knowledge is being taught thoroughly, ethical development requires closer attention. Hai questioned the accuracy of the current assessment model, which sees over 90% of students rated as having excellent academic performance and good conduct. “Is that truly reflective of reality?” she asked.

Referring to a recent incident where a student assaulted a teacher, she suggested reviewing the student’s conduct assessments from previous terms or academic years.

According to Hai, clear standards and benchmarks are needed to properly evaluate both teachers and students. “Students who are genuinely good should be rated as such, but those who are not should be assessed as fair or even average,” she stated.

“We cannot keep up this illusion of 90 to 95 percent of students being excellent or outstanding,” she warned.

Hai recalled a recent television program that showcased a 12-year-old student cooking a full meal for their family, including crab soup, braised pork, and fried tofu. The video attracted millions of views.

She remarked that in her generation, it was normal for 8- or 9-year-olds to help cook meals at home. Today, such stories are considered extraordinary.

With an investment of USD 23.2 billion over 10 years, Hai expressed her hope that this generation of students will be both capable and compassionate  -  excelling academically while also knowing how to care for their families and live ethically. “We must raise students who are not only talented but also kind-hearted,” she concluded.

Tran Thuong