Parents Scramble for Textbooks in Da Nang Ahead of School Year

In Da Nang, a severe textbook shortage is being reported just days before the start of the new academic year. According to The Saigon Times, many parents are scrambling across the city to secure textbooks for their children, but availability remains a significant challenge. This recurring issue raises concerns about educational equity in Vietnam. Students from economically disadvantaged families or those in remote areas may face greater difficulties accessing necessary materials, potentially leading to learning disparities. While the Ministry of Education and Training oversees textbook publication and distribution, mismatches between demand and supply, or uneven distribution to certain regions, are often cited as reasons for this annual disruption. This situation can reflect the complexities of Vietnam's centrally managed education system in addressing diverse local needs. The urgent pleas from parents unable to obtain required textbooks highlight the need for prompt and equitable responses from educational authorities. Source: The Saigon Times