General Secretary To Lam has directed ministries, agencies, and localities to fully prepare for the implementation of free two-session school days for primary and lower secondary students nationwide, beginning in the 2025–2026 academic year. The policy also includes lunch support for students in border communes.

The announcement was made following a working session between General Secretary To Lam and the Government, central committees, and relevant ministries on the current implementation of national education and training resolutions, and the upcoming Politburo resolution on breakthrough education reform.

General Secretary To Lam approved the policy of organizing two-session school days in primary and lower secondary schools, with implementation adjusted to local conditions regarding infrastructure, budget, and teaching staff.

The initiative is to be rolled out step-by-step, combining major public investment with private sector involvement. Importantly, the two-session school day will be entirely free of charge to reduce pressure on students while expanding cultural and artistic education and promoting well-rounded development.

The General Secretary tasked the Government with directing the Ministry of Education and Training and other relevant bodies to ensure schools are equipped with adequate facilities, staff, curricula, and educational activities to support the new model by the 2025–2026 school year.

In addition, the state will support lunch provision for students in primary and lower secondary schools in border communes - especially in mountainous areas - including both ethnic minority and Kinh students residing in those areas.

This policy will be implemented in land-border communes first. Based on its effectiveness, it may gradually expand nationwide. Localities with available funding are encouraged to implement the initiative sooner within their jurisdictions.

To support this shift, localities are also required to accelerate the construction and improvement of boarding and semi-boarding schools in border areas. These schools must be equipped with classrooms, labs, clean water supply, kitchens, bathrooms, playgrounds, and teacher accommodations.

Furthermore, in communes bordering other countries, students should be taught the neighboring nation’s language to promote future cross-border cultural exchange.

Thuy Nga