Hanoi (VNA) – Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has issued Dispatch No. 156/CD-TTg asking central localities affected by recent natural disasters to prioritise the restoration of damaged educational facilities, ensuring that conditions are in place for the start of the new academic year.
The dispatch was sent to chairpersons of the People’s Committees of Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, and Ha Tinh provinces, as well as to the ministers of National Defence, Public Security, and Education and Training.
This follows Dispatch No. 151/CD-TTg, issued on August 29, which urged the swift repair of schools and healthcare facilities affected by extreme weather events to ensure the timely commencement of the new school year, which is scheduled for September 5.
However, according to a report from the Ministry of Education and Training and a report from Vietnam Television (VTV) on September 3, recovery efforts in some areas, particularly in the three above-mentioned provinces remain incomplete as the school year approaches.
In light of this, the PM called on local authorities to act urgently. The chairpersons of the People’s Committees in Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, and Ha Tinh must assess the state of educational facilities in their provinces, especially those damaged by Storm No. 5 (internationally known as Kajiki) and other recent disasters. They should continue to mobilise all available resources, particularly military, police forces, and youth union members, to speed up the repair efforts, the PM directed.
This includes restoring all damaged schools and classrooms, especially those with collapsed roofs or other safety hazards, as well as repairing desks and chairs, and providing textbooks, teaching materials, and school supplies to ensure a safe and functional learning environment. It is crucial that every student has access to a classroom, a teacher, and necessary learning materials, the PM emphasised.
For schools or classrooms that are severely damaged and cannot be made safe in time for the new school year, local authorities must provide temporary arrangements for teaching and opening ceremonies, to be completed no later than September 4. A report on these actions must be submitted to the Prime Minister on the same day.
The Minister of Education and Training continues to oversee the work of local education departments, particularly in the affected provinces, ensuring they provide the necessary advice and support to local authorities. The Ministry will also coordinate the timely distribution of textbooks, teaching materials, and supplies to ensure that students can resume learning immediately. A report on the implementation of these measures is due to the Prime Minister by September 4.
The Ministers of National Defence and Public Security are also instructed to ensure that local military and police units provide full support for cleaning, repairing, and restoring schools, in line with local needs.
Deputy Prime Minister Le Thanh Long will continue to oversee the implementation of these measures across relevant ministries and localities. The Government Office will monitor progress and promptly report any emerging issues to the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister./.
