In industrial parks and clusters in Hoa Binh, Son La, Vinh Phuc - where there are many ethnic minority workers, the joy spread quickly.
Ms. Bui Thi Phuong, a worker at an electronics assembly company in Luong Son Industrial Park, Hoa Binh, said: "Up to now, many poor households and children studying up to secondary school have quit to work as a housewife or for hire. Now there is no need to worry about tuition fees, children will definitely be able to go to school more.
For families of workers in mountainous areas, exempting tuition fees not only helps save costs but also motivates their children to continue studying.
Previously, although the State had a policy to support tuition fees for some groups of students in difficult circumstances, there were still many other expenses such as books, uniforms, and living expenses at school. Comprehensive tuition exemption helps remove the biggest barrier for children in remote areas.
Teacher Dang Thi Phuong, a teacher at the Boarding School for Ethnic Minorities in Chiem Hoa District and High School, Tuyen Quang Province, commented: Many students have to drop out of school halfway because their families cannot afford to pay. When this policy comes into effect, I believe that the dropout rate will decrease significantly, especially in mountainous areas where life is still difficult."
In response to positive feedback from workers, Mr. Vang A La - Chairman of the Son La Provincial Labor Federation - highly appreciated the tuition exemption policy and said that this is an important step to reduce difficulties for workers.
"This policy shows the special attention of the Party and State to workers and their children. Many families of workers in mountainous areas are struggling with money and rice, now that the burden of tuition fees has been removed, they will work more securely. This not only helps children have the opportunity to study fully but also improves the quality of human resources in the future".
Mr. Vang A La also emphasized that the Trade Union organization will continue to coordinate with competent authorities to support workers to fully access this policy, while promoting other support programs such as providing free textbooks and uniforms for poor students.
"If workers' children are fully educated and have proper vocational training, they will have better opportunities to develop and not have to return to the vicious cycle of poverty," Mr. La added.
