Ho Chi Minh City Proposes Free Textbooks for All Students from 2026-2027 School Year

The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Education and Training has sought opinions from relevant departments and agencies regarding the proposed implementation of a policy to provide free textbooks to all students through a lending and return system, starting from the 2026-2027 school year. This proposal aims to equalize educational opportunities and alleviate the financial burden on parents. In Vietnam, education is positioned as a crucial pillar of the state under the one-party system of the Communist Party, with providing educational opportunities to the populace serving as a foundation for social stability. In recent years, Vietnam's economy has achieved remarkable growth, but widening income disparities have also been noted, and the cost of education remains a significant challenge for many households. Free textbooks could guarantee educational opportunities for children from economically disadvantaged families, potentially leading to an overall societal uplift in the future. Particularly in Ho Chi Minh City, which is experiencing rapid urbanization and economic development, rectifying educational disparities has become an urgent issue. If this proposal is realized, it is expected not only to reduce the financial burden on parents but also to contribute to improved student motivation. The government aims to cultivate future human resources who will lead Vietnam by expanding investment in the education sector.