Silvia Danailov, UNICEF representative to Vietnam, has lauded the Vietnamese Politburo's landmark decision to waive tuition fees for all public school students as a significant step toward educational inclusion and equity.   

Danailov emphasized that UNICEF wholeheartedly congratulates Vietnam on this progressive decision. 

The tuition-free policy aligns with Vietnam’s international commitments, including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and Sustainable Development Goal 4, which promotes inclusive and equitable quality education.

She viewed the policy as a vital investment in Vietnam's future, enabling more children to complete their education regardless of their socio-economic background.

To maximize the policy's impact, Danailov proposed three key recommendations, including ensuring quality education, promoting equity and inclusion, and expanding access to high school education.

She said that the increased enrollment must be matched with adequate resources, including well-trained teachers, proper infrastructure, and quality learning materials.

The government should also consider additional costs that families still bear, such as school supplies, uniforms, and transportation, which can be challenging for vulnerable households.

She emphasized that the policy must be implemented fairly, ensuring that children with disabilities and ethnic minority students receive adequate support to fully benefit from education.

To expand access to high school education, the government should increase the number of public high schools and invest in community-based education, including satellite schools for elementary students in remote areas.

UNICEF expressed its commitment to supporting Vietnam in achieving this vision through various initiatives, such as enhancing teacher training and education management capacity; leveraging digital learning technologies like AI to assist educators; investing in eco-friendly schools and green skills education, particularly in response to climate change; and advocating for inclusive education policies.

"Our shared goal is to leave no child behind," Danailov said.

“Through close cooperation, we can ensure that every girl and boy in Vietnam has the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed, contributing to a brighter future for the nation and society as a whole."

Earlier, the Politburo announced at a meeting on February 28 that all public school students, from kindergarten to high school, will be exempt from tuition fees from the 2025-26 academic year, which starts in September, onward.

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