Vietnam breaks ground on 72 boarding schools in border communes

THE HANOI TIMES — Construction has been kicked off on 72 inter-level boarding schools in land border communes across 17 provinces and cities of Vietnam on November 9, with the participation of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his deputies joining such events in different localities.

The nationwide groundbreaking marks a major step in the Politburo’s strategic program to build 100 inter-level boarding schools in border communes. The project carries a total investment of nearly VND20 trillion (US$760 million) and is scheduled for completion by August 30, 2026, in time for the 2026–2027 academic year.

The work is part of the Politburo's strategic program to build 100 inter-level boarding schools in border communes, with total investment of nearly VND20 trillion (US$760 million), to be completed by August 30, 2026, in time for the 2026-2027 school year.

It would be followed by an additional 148 schools in the next 2 or 3 years. It's the national plan to build boarding schools in 248 border communes in all 22 cities and provinces across Vietnam.

The construction of the new boarding school system is expected to bring a breakthrough in education quality in the important boundary areas.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony held in the central province of Thanh Hoa on November 9, Prime Minister Chinh said that investing in education means investing in development as human is the most valuable capital and a driving force for the country’s growth.

The simultaneous work reflects the strong determination and close coordination in caring for students in border areas, Chinh said, adding that the Government always view education and training as a top national policy.

"It creates the foundation for developing the personality, virtues and capabilities of each person. Education also serves as the decisive factor of the success in making a human resources breakthrough to support national development and safeguarding," the prime minister stressed.

He requested leaders of the Ministry of Education and Training, ministries and localities to remove bottlenecks and make the best possible conditions for school construction.

The Government leader called on students nationwide to keep nurturing their dreams and aspirations to become good and useful citizens for their communities, hometowns and the country. He presented coats as encouragement to students of the Yen Khuong Primary and Junior Secondary Boarding School.

Meanwhile, deputy prime ministers, leaders of ministries and local officials on November 9 took part in the hybrid event in 14 other provinces, namely Lai Chau, Lang Son, Dien Bien, Tuyen Quang, Lao Cai, Cao Bang, Son La, Quang Ninh, Nghe An, Ha Tinh, Quang Tri, Dak Lak, Lam Dong and An Giang.

The newly-built schools will be modern and fully equipped, providing learning, accommodation and living facilities for students, as well as housing for teachers, creating a holistic educational environment based on the “Virtue - Wisdom - Physical - Aesthetic” model.

Due to impacts of Typhoon Kalmaegi, some localities like Danang City, Quang Ngai and Gia Lai provinces was unable to hold the ceremony but still connected with the official event via teleconferencing and ready to commence construction when possible.