Vietnam's Highland Boarding School Undergoes Major Renovation with $12 Million Investment Ahead of New School Year

The Việt Bắc Highland Boarding School, located in northern Vietnam, is undergoing a comprehensive renovation and new construction project with a total investment of VND 296 billion (approximately $12 million) to enhance educational opportunities for ethnic minority students. The school accommodates around 2,500 high school and university preparatory students from ethnic minority groups, including those with very small populations, from Quảng Trị province northward. The extensive project involves the construction of 11 new buildings, ranging from three to six stories, including lecture halls, administrative offices, dormitories, staff housing, a multi-purpose hall, and a health station. It also includes the complete renovation and repair of existing facilities such as classrooms, dormitories, the library, dining hall, internal roads, and landscaping. While the entire project is slated for completion in November 2026, the investor, the Specialized Project Management Board under the Committee for Ethnic Minority Affairs, has directed contractors to prioritize the completion of classrooms, dormitories, and the dining hall by the end of August to ensure they are ready for the start of the 2026-2027 academic year. This accelerated effort aims to minimize disruption to teaching and student life. Construction, which began in January 2026, faced delays due to the academic calendar, with major construction only commencing in mid-March. Factors such as rising fuel, material, and labor costs, along with challenging weather conditions including intense heat and heavy rainfall, have also impacted the schedule. However, Project Director Nguyễn Anh Ngân stated that approximately 300 workers are on-site, alongside hundreds more involved in equipment production, working day and night to overcome obstacles and expedite progress. He confirmed that essential facilities will be operational for the new academic year. Continuous heavy rains in July and August caused flooding and muddy conditions, complicating the movement of materials and equipment. Contractors adapted by focusing on indoor tasks such as plastering walls and constructing staircases. The investor representative indicated that after the initial facilities are made available for the new academic year, the remaining construction will proceed systematically and efficiently to avoid impacting school operations, with a commitment to timely and quality completion. Ms. Lục Thúy Hằng, Secretary of the Party Committee and Principal of Việt Bắc Highland Boarding School, expressed enthusiasm, stating, "The comprehensive renovation and upgrade have brought great joy and pride to our staff and students, serving as a significant motivation to enhance teaching and learning from the 2026-2027 academic year onwards." Source: Nhan Dan