Thanh Hoa Province Faces Educational Infrastructure Challenges and Future Plans

Thanh Hoa Province in Vietnam is facing significant challenges in its educational infrastructure, with numerous remote schools, particularly in mountainous and isolated areas, and aging facilities in urban zones struggling to keep pace with rapid population growth. The Provincial Department of Education and Training has outlined plans to address these issues, aiming to reorganize and develop the school network to align with socio-economic development and demographic changes, thereby ensuring equitable access to education. According to a report presented by the Department of Education and Training at the 4th session of the 19th Thanh Hoa Provincial People's Council on July 17th, the province currently operates 680 kindergartens, 588 primary schools, 606 lower secondary schools, and 106 upper secondary schools. While this network generally meets educational needs and contributes to maintaining universal education and improving overall educational quality, a key concern is the high number of branch schools, especially in mountainous and remote regions. This situation leads to the dispersion of resources, reduced investment efficiency, and management difficulties. Furthermore, the review and adjustment of development plans in some localities have lagged behind the pace of socio-economic development and population increase. In certain urban areas and industrial zones, rapid mechanical population growth has outstripped the capacity of existing educational facilities. To address these shortcomings, the Thanh Hoa Provincial Department of Education and Training will enhance coordination with relevant departments, sectors, and local authorities. The goal is to advise the Provincial People's Committee and competent authorities to continuously review, adjust, and develop the network of kindergartens and general education schools. This development will be tailored to the province's socio-economic growth, population size, and the learning needs of its residents. Particular emphasis will be placed on ensuring sufficient schools and classrooms in densely populated areas and industrial zones, promoting equitable access to education. The province will continue to streamline its school system towards greater efficiency and effectiveness, contributing to the enhancement of overall educational quality. Proactive measures will be taken to improve the forecasting of student enrollment numbers. Solutions for educational development will be strategically proposed in conjunction with urban development, growth-driving regions, and the province's central administrative and economic hubs. The education and training sector will advise local authorities on resource allocation to gradually fortify and modernize schools and classrooms as per existing plans. It will also facilitate the renovation and repair of educational facilities slated for relocation in the future, ensuring the minimum requirements for teaching and learning are met. Efforts will continue to mobilize legitimate resources and promote socialization in education to boost investment in school facilities and teaching equipment. The province will promptly procure and supplement essential teaching equipment for general education institutions across the province, thereby ensuring the conditions necessary for the effective implementation of the 2018 General Education Curriculum. Source: Nhan Dan