In Resolution 71-NQ/TW on breakthroughs in education and training development, the Politburo for the first time clearly stipulates the need to pay attention to policies and the lives of school staff. This is a new point, demonstrating the recognition of the role of this force in the school's operations.
The Resolution also sets out specific tasks and solutions: Developing specific and outstanding incentive policies for teachers and staff in the education sector. In particular, vocational preferential allowances are increased to a minimum of 70% for teachers, a minimum of 30% for employees, and 100% for teachers working in extremely disadvantaged areas, border areas, islands, as well as ethnic minority areas.
This is considered an important step forward, not only reducing difficulties in life but also creating strong spiritual motivation for those who are contributing day by day to the cause of educating people.
Sharing with Lao Dong reporter, Ms. Nguyen Thi Nhan - a clerical staff at Mai Lam Secondary School (Dong Anh commune, Hanoi) - said that she has been doing this job for 18 years. Although the work is quiet, it is no less stressful, her current income is only over 6 million VND/month.
To make ends meet, there are days when she has to take on seasonal jobs. From 5am, she started her overtime shift, then quickly returned to school to complete her clerical work. After work at school, she continued her seasonal work until late at night. "I feel tired many times, but I still have to make efforts because the cost is getting higher and the income is limited" - Ms. Nhan confided.
Before receiving information from Resolution 71 on preferential allowance policies, Ms. Nhan expressed her excitement. According to her, this is a practical concern, helping staff in schools have more motivation to continue to complete their work well.
Ms. Nhan's story is also a common sentiment of many school staff.
Ms. Ta Thi Minh Hue - an accountant at a kindergarten in Hoan Kiem ward (Hanoi) - said she has been in this job for more than 10 years. "Accountability work in preschools is also a lot of pressure. The volume of books, documents, reports... must be absolutely accurate, and it is necessary to coordinate with other departments to ensure the school's operations are in accordance with regulations" - she said.
However, despite having worked for more than ten years, Ms. Hue's salary is only about 7.4 million VND/month. This income makes it difficult to take care of a family with two young children.
"School fees, milk bills, medicine for children, family expenses... are all put into that small salary. I still often have to sell in the evening, taking care of my children and working overtime to earn some extra income" - Ms. Hue shared.
For her, the information that school staff will receive a minimum of 30% of preferential allowances is like a great encouragement. I was excited to hear this information, because this is a concern for the school staff like us. Not directly teaching like teachers, but our work also contributes significantly to the school's operations. With more allowances, I will be less pressured, and I can spend more time and effort on work and my family" - Ms. Hue expressed.
