A series of worries
For many families of workers and freelancers, the story of their children's education is always a big concern. covering all kinds of expenses, from tuition fees, books, clothes... while the salary is still limited is truly a big burden.
With an income of 6 - 8 million VND/month, Ms. Lam Kim Cuc - a worker at Tra Noc Industrial Park (Can Tho City) - struggles to cover expenses to cover her children's living expenses and school expenses.
"The amount of money I spend each month on my children is about 3 million VND, accounting for nearly half of my income. If we have many things to do, our mother and I will have enough to spend. Even without overtime, near the end of the month, the whole family lacks before and after, and struggles to cope" - Ms. Cach shared.
For Mr. Le Thanh Tan - a worker in Tra Noc Industrial Park (Can Tho City), his child's education costs also account for a large part of his income. In addition to official expenses such as tuition and insurance, he also has to pay for clothes, books and especially the cost of hiring someone to pick him up, drop him off, and send him to a private facility after work when the couple has to work overtime. This is a mandatory cost to ensure that children are well cared for during overtime.
Ms. Dinh Thi Huyen and her husband - a freelancer in Can Tho City - have a total income ranging from 12 - 14 million VND/month. However, the cost of food and education for the two children is also a significant financial burden. Ms. Huyen calculated that the cost of sending children, eating and renting a car to pick them up and drop them off was nearly 3 million VND/month. Adults studying in grade 8 are less expensive, with tuition and insurance costs of about 1.5 million VND/year. To save costs, Ms. Huyen's family has almost limited the purchase of new clothes, the children's uniforms are usually worn every 2-3 years.
Improving the quality of life
Faced with many concerns, the Resolution on tuition exemption and support for preschool children, primary school students, and students of general education programs in educational institutions in the national education system, approved and applied by the National Assembly from the 2025-2026 school year, has brought great hope to families of workers and freelance workers.
Sharing about this policy, Ms. C could not hide her joy, because the financial burden had eased somewhat. Accordingly, the savings from the two children's exemption and tuition reduction will be used to buy diapers, milk, clothes and school supplies for the children.
While the salary is low, commodity prices are rising, and tuition exemption and reduction policies help Mr. Tan reduce the burden of money and rice. Along with joy and excitement, the male worker is looking forward to the policy coming into effect soon so that next school year, the school year will be a full season of fun, no longer overwhelmed by economic worries.
As for Ms. Huyen, the policy of tuition exemption and reduction is a new wind to help her family improve their quality of life. "If we save on tuition and related expenses, we will have more conditions to take better care of our children's health, or cover other expenses such as food, entertainment..." - Ms. Huyen confided.
In recent times, Can Tho City Trade Unions at all levels have carried out many practical activities, caring for children of union members, workers, and laborers in difficult circumstances in the area such as giving gifts, giving scholarships, etc. Notably, at many company and enterprise trade unions, there have been welfare programs such as supporting books, rewarding children of union members, workers, and laborers who overcome difficulties and study well. Thereby, promptly sharing, encouraging, helping children of union members and workers overcome difficulties and strive to study.
