The 2010-2015 education development scheme designed for ethnic regions, known as Project 2123, has proven effective since it was kick-started in the northern mountainous province of Lai Chau three years ago.
The project has benefited the Cong, Mang and Sila groups in poor districts of Sin Ho, Nam Nhun and Muong Te.
Over the past years, more than 11 billion VND (500,000 USD) has been earmarked for infrastructure development. As many as 14 primary schools with 30 well-furnished classrooms and 20 faculty rooms have been opened.
An outstanding example is Huoi Van school in Nam Nhun district. In the past, its pupils had to sit in leaking and dilapidated classrooms, meaning many of them played truant. Now more and more students are attending classes in the new, well-furnished rooms.
In addition to improving infrastructure, the province has also paid heed to raising the qualifications of education management staff and teachers. Training courses have been held to help them hone their professional skills. The number of teachers in minority communities has now topped 580.
According to the provincial Department of Education and Training, over 5,000 ethnic students are enjoying the study support policy. More than 2,600 of those students are benefiting from Project 2123.-VNA
