Vietnamese national anthem voiced at live broadcast to begin new school year
From early morning, schoolyards across Vietnam filled with flags, drumbeats and autumn air, as millions of students joyfully entered the 2025–2026 school year in a solemn yet uplifting atmosphere.
THE HANOI TIMES — For the first time, 31.6 million educators, teachers and students in Vietnam gathered at the opening ceremony of the 2025-2026 academic year broadcast live on television today (September 5).
Today's ceremony marked the first time the national anthem was heard at all 52,000 schools from preschool to university levels. It was also a special occasion when the country’s education sector celebrated its 80 years of foundation and development.
The live-broadcast ceremony became special when students and educators received words of encouragement and motivation from the country’s top leaders, officials and parents nationwide.
General Secretary To Lam with Hanoi's schoolchildren at the opening ceremony of the 2025-2026 academic year held at the National Convention Center. Photo: VGP
Since early morning, schoolyards across Vietnam bloomed with colors, joy and hope. The fluttering national flags, the echo of drums and the crisp autumn breeze combined to create an atmosphere both solemn and uplifting.
In this atmosphere, the presence of top leaders including General Secretary To Lam, President Luong Cuong, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Chairman of National Assembly Tran Thanh Man, Minister of Education and Training Nguyen Kim Son and other senior officials became the untold encouragement to national schoolchildren.
Hanoi’s leaders joined the common drive with the attendance of Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee Bui Thi Minh Hoai, Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee Tran Sy Thanh, Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Council Nguyen Ngoc Tuan, and Director of the municipal Department of Education and Training Tran The Cuong.
Children arrived with eager footsteps, their eyes sparkling with anticipation. For first graders, this was a sacred milestone – the very first day they entered the world of learning. Holding their parents’ hands then bravely letting go, they joined classmates in neat rows, their timid smiles soon giving way to laughter.
Older students returned with renewed determination, embracing both the challenges and the friendships awaiting them.
Meanwhile, teachers, standing proudly at the podium, extended words of encouragement that resonated with warmth and responsibility.
The resounding drumbeat, struck to inaugurate the school year, symbolized the call to knowledge and the nation’s enduring faith in education as the path to the future.
Across cities and villages, the day carried both solemnity and childlike eagerness, marking the start of lessons and the promise of growth, dreams, and a brighter tomorrow for Vietnam.
The national anthem played at the National Convention Center to mark the beginning of the new school year across Vietnam. Photo: VGP
Hanoi schoolchildren in the new academic year. Photo: Bich Hanh/The Hanoi Times
Joy on the faces of children at 5A7 Class, Phan Dinh Giot Primary School, Thanh Xuan Ward, Hanoi. Photo: Hong Thao/The Hanoi Times
Students and teachers at Truong Sa Primary School in Truong Sa Island begin the new school year. Photo: Khanh Hoa Newspaper
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On this occasion, The Hanoi Times highlighted General Secretary To Lam’s keynote address on September 5, marking 80 years of Vietnam’s education sector and the opening of the 2025–2026 school year. “Today, in this solemn and proud atmosphere, we celebrate the opening of the new academic year 2025–2026 and the 80th anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh’s first letter to students. This is a moment to honor the glorious tradition of education and reaffirm its central role in the destiny of our nation. Over the past 80 years, education has always stood at the forefront, whether in the flames of war or in peace and national building, cultivating talents, raising human resources and contributing decisively to independence, reunification and development. Our Party has always affirmed that education and training are the top national policy. Investing in education is investing in the prosperity of our people and the strength of Vietnam. We must continue bold reforms so that every child enjoys equal opportunity to learn. Teachers must remain shining examples in imparting knowledge and nurturing character and inspiring dreams. Students must strive to master science and technology, embrace creativity, and become global citizens while preserving the soul of Vietnam. Education is the enduring strength of our country. With unity, determination and the spirit of learning, we will build a modern, humane and globally integrated education system worthy of our nation’s future." |
