Supporting continuing education students

Under Government Decree No. 66 dated March 12, 2025, starting from 2025, boarding students studying at continuing education institutions are entitled to a range of newly enhanced support policies, with significant increases compared to previous provisions. Notably, the allowance for meals has been raised to nearly seven times the former level, alongside support for rice and housing costs. These measures have markedly improved students’ living and learning conditions, particularly for those in disadvantaged areas.

Students at Vi Xuyen Vocational Education – Continuing Education Center are happy and reassured by the new support policies.

Accordingly, boarding learners at continuing education institutions who are from ethnic minority groups or Kinh households classified as poor, and who reside in extremely disadvantaged communes or hamlets far from their schools (at least 7 km for lower secondary level and 10 km for upper secondary level, or facing difficult travel conditions due to challenging terrain), are eligible for monthly support of 15 kg of rice, VND 360,000 for accommodation (if they have to arrange housing on their own), and VND 936,000 for meals. The support period is provided for up to nine months per year.

Accordingly, boarding learners at continuing education institutions who are from ethnic minority groups or Kinh households classified as poor, and who

These policies are widely regarded as humane and appropriate, reflecting equality between continuing education students and those studying at public upper secondary schools and other public boarding schools. The increased level of support helps ensure students’ nutrition and health, reduces the financial burden on families, and provides strong motivation for learners to continue their studies, thereby limiting dropout rates.

Currently, the province has 17 Vocational Education – Continuing Education Centers with a total of 7,452 students, of whom 1,570 are eligible for benefits under Decree No. 66. At many centers located in highland and extremely disadvantaged areas such as Yen Minh, Vi Xuyen, and Ham Yen, the proportion of students receiving support is relatively high. In practice, the new policies have played an important role in facilitating enrollment, stabilizing student numbers, and improving educational quality.

Many students and their families have expressed their satisfaction as living and boarding conditions have improved significantly. Continuing education centers have also eased the pressure of mobilizing additional social resources to cover meal and accommodation costs for boarding students.

Decree No. 66 not only promptly addresses long-standing difficulties faced by continuing education students but also clearly demonstrates the consistent policy of the Party and the State in ensuring equitable access to education. By removing barriers related to living and learning conditions, continuing education students are better motivated to strive for success, contributing to the improvement of human resource quality and the effective implementation of comprehensive and sustainable education development goals, leaving no one behind.

Duy Tuan