On the afternoon of December 18, the Department of Education and Training (DET) of Ho Chi Minh City held a press conference to inform about the content of the linkage to organize educational activities at general education institutions and boarding meals in schools.
Mr. Ho Tan Minh - Chief of Office of the Department of Education and Training of Ho Chi Minh City said that the organization of joint subjects is based on the implementation of the 2018 General Education program, aiming to form and develop students' abilities and qualities through both subjects and other educational activities.
"The formation of students' abilities and qualities not only takes place during regular school hours but also through experiential activities and supplementary educational activities. This is a requirement that needs to be achieved by the program, not an activity arising outside the program," said Mr. Minh.
According to current regulations, principals of educational institutions have the right to develop school education plans, in which they can organize lien lacons with businesses and organizations to carry out appropriate educational activities.
However, the Department of Education and Training of Ho Chi Minh City requires the organization to ensure the following principles: fairness, publicity, transparency, quality assurance and absolutely no financial pressure on students.
"First of all, schools must make the most of available resources such as teachers and facilities to organize clubs and extracurricular activities. Only when there are no conditions can socialization be carried out, and this socialization must comply with regulations and have specific instructions for the industry," Mr. Minh emphasized.
For joint programs, the Department of Education and Training requires each program to have at least two options for parents and students to choose; participation must be based on volunteerism, with parents' opinions, public content, goals and costs (if any).
"There is no such thing as forcing students or parents to participate in joint activities. If educational institutions are found to be doing wrong, the Department will handle it thoroughly, without covering up," Mr. Minh affirmed.
Mr. Minh also said that it is impossible to compare and deny all joint educational activities that are beneficial to learners, parents and society because some units do not do the right thing.
The Ho Chi Minh City education sector is ready to receive detailed feedback from the press and parents for timely inspection and correction.
"The industry's consistent viewpoint is to ensure fairness in education, publicize and make transparent programs, and respect the right to choose of parents and students in a voluntary spirit," Mr. Minh added.
