Vietnam's PTA Funds Primarily for Teachers, Administrators, Diverging from Student Focus

In some schools across Vietnam, Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs), known locally as Hội phụ huynh, are reportedly deviating from their core mission of supporting students. A significant portion of PTA funds is being allocated towards gifts and bonuses for teachers and school administrators, rather than for student-focused activities. In one high-quality public secondary school, annual PTA contributions can range from VND 5 to 6 million (approximately $200-$240 USD). However, the majority of these funds are spent on occasions such as Vietnamese Teachers' Day (November 20th), holidays, and Tet (Lunar New Year), with students often required to pay separately for excursions and extracurricular events. While PTA financial reports were once transparently shared with parents, recent years have seen a decline in such disclosures. Many parents find it difficult to obtain clear answers regarding expenditures, and end-of-year financial statements are often not provided. This lack of transparency leads to dissatisfaction among parents, many of whom hesitate to voice their concerns due to fears of negatively impacting their children's school experience. A parent whose child received a scholarship to study in Singapore noted a stark contrast with the educational system there. In Singapore, schools operate without PTAs, with school management, teachers, and students collaborating on activities. Parents are not involved in fundraising or organizational tasks. Parent meetings are typically limited to one annual online session per grade level, with individual meetings scheduled only when necessary. In response to these concerns, the Ministry of Education and Training has proposed new regulations aimed at preventing the misuse and excessive collection of PTA funds. The draft regulations prohibit PTAs from collecting money or receiving sponsorships on behalf of schools, and also restrict the use of PTA funds for investments or activities that fall under the school's direct responsibility. This initiative seeks to ensure greater transparency and a more student-centered approach in educational institutions. Under Vietnam's one-party socialist system, the education sector is largely centrally managed. However, local school administrations often have some degree of autonomy, which can lead to variations in practices, including PTA operations. The current situation with PTAs highlights potential discrepancies between central directives and local customs. As Vietnam continues its economic growth, parental investment in education is increasing, making the transparent use of these funds a critical factor in building trust between schools and parents.