This policy was agreed upon by the 13th Politburo in Conclusion Notice No. 81-TB/TW dated July 18, 2025, with the goal of investing in 248 inter-level boarding schools in the next few years. This is not only an education development program, but also a strategic orientation to narrow the gap between regions, especially mountainous and border areas.
Immediately after having the policy, the Government, ministries, branches and localities quickly implemented it. On November 9, 2025, border communes in 18 provinces and cities simultaneously started construction of schools. According to the Ministry of Education and Training, by the beginning of March 2026, 108 schools had been started, of which 1 school had been completed and put into use in Dien Bien.
The remaining projects are being accelerated. About 20-25 schools have been constructed to the 3rd floor, nearly completing the rough construction; about 70 schools are building the 1st and 2nd floors; a small number are deploying the foundation. The goal is to complete before August 30, 2026 to be on time for the new school year.
The pressure of high progress makes the deployment a "test" for organizational and operating capacity. The construction process faces many difficulties such as rugged terrain, difficult traffic, high transportation costs, fluctuating material prices and obstacles in site clearance.
Among the 100 pilot schools, 86 schools have to clear ground with a large volume. To date, 73 schools have basically completed this work. Some localities proactively allocated budgets to accelerate progress such as Lai Chau, Dak Lak, Gia Lai.
Regarding resources, the total investment capital demand increased by 4,654.069 billion VND, of which the central budget increased by more than 3,652 billion VND. On March 2, 2026, Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc signed a decision to supplement more than 12,905 billion VND for localities to continue implementing the project.
The highlight of the "campaign" is the synchronous coordination between ministries, sectors and localities. The Ministry of Finance ensures capital sources; the Ministry of Construction promulgates 14 suitable design templates; the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment allocates land funds; the Ministry of Home Affairs develops policies for students and teachers. Many localities show high determination, directing directly, mobilizing more socialized resources to accelerate progress.
In parallel with that, social mobilization programs are also being implemented. The Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front coordinates to launch the movement "The whole country for beloved border students", mobilizing the joint efforts of the whole society.
After the pilot phase, the Ministry of Education and Training said that 121 border communes in 17 provinces and cities have investment needs in 2026. It is expected that localities will simultaneously start construction on March 19, 2026.
The construction of inter-level boarding schools is not only limited to facilities, but aims to form a stable learning and living environment for students in border areas. Synchronous policies are being developed to ensure that students "have a place to study, have a place to live" in the long term.
At the inauguration ceremony of Si Pa Phin school, Dien Bien province on January 31, 2026, General Secretary To Lam affirmed that when the policy is correct and the entire political system is united, difficult tasks can still be done quickly and effectively. Immediately after that, the General Secretary launched the construction of the remaining schools.
The projects being formed in the border area are not only schools, but also the foundation for sustainable development, contributing to maintaining security, stabilizing life and improving the quality of human resources in difficult areas.
