According to a report by the Ministry of Education and Training, phase 1 has 108 inter-level boarding schools implemented in 19 provinces and cities. It is expected that more than 90 schools will be handed over before August 30 this year.
Inter-level boarding schools with modern facilities, accompanied by dormitories, cafeterias... so that students have a stable place to study and live, instead of having to travel long distances to class every day as before, will contribute to narrowing the gap in access to education between children in mountainous areas and more favorable areas.
But a new school is only truly meaningful when it operates well after the inauguration day.
Currently, in some localities, contractors are working overtime to compensate for progress. Some places are facing difficulties due to complex terrain and geology, unfavorable weather or lack of labor.
The pressure to complete the project before the new school year is real and very understandable. But progress cannot be a reason to trade off quality and especially the safety of students.
For projects that cannot be completed synchronously, priority can be given to putting into use essential items such as classrooms, dormitories, and dining rooms. The remaining items can be further completed later, but the construction area must be separated from the places of study and living of students and ensure safety.
Another bigger problem is that a school can be built in one year, but to operate well, continuous investment is needed for many years.
If a school wants to operate well and effectively, it must have enough teachers and administrators, catering staff, medical staff and people who care for and manage students outside of class hours. As well as ensuring funding for kitchens, electricity, water, school equipment, repair of facilities and a series of daily living needs.
Boarding schools are not only places to study but also the second "roof", where students are cared for from meals, sleep to health and safety. New projects are only truly valuable when they are operated effectively, meeting the long-term needs of students. That value must be measured by brightly lit classrooms every day, nutritious meals, safe dormitories and most importantly, more and more students in border areas are able to go to school, stay at school and have the opportunity to develop themselves through learning.
Bringing border schools to the finish line to be able to welcome students in the new school year is the starting point for the journey of construction, so that each school truly becomes the true home of students in the borderland of the Fatherland.
