Vietnamese Parents Scramble for Textbooks After School Resumes

As the new school year commences across Vietnam, a textbook shortage in several localities has forced parents into a scramble to procure essential learning materials. This unusual situation is particularly evident in major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, where students are reportedly not receiving their textbooks even after school has started. Parents have been observed queuing up from early morning outside schools and bookstores, waiting for hours to obtain just a few books, hoping to prevent their children from falling behind in their studies. Social media platforms are abuzz with photos of these long lines and posts detailing the difficulties in acquiring textbooks. The Ministry of Education and Training has instructed textbook publishers and distributors to ensure adequate supply to meet demand. While the use of digital learning materials is being encouraged in some areas, the necessary infrastructure and accessibility are not yet universally available for all schools and households. This textbook shortage highlights existing challenges in Vietnam's educational infrastructure and its textbook supply chain management. As Vietnam continues its economic growth, the need for systematic and planned supply management within the education sector is once again brought to the forefront.