Vietnam Govt Gives More Support for Students of Poor Ethnic Minority Groups

Vietnamese ethnic minority pupils and students from poor households pursuing higher education will get scholarship and financial support for school accessories, Lunar New Year holidays, and transport fees, according to a recent government policy. Starting on January 1 next year, students from poor and near-poor households, and the handicapped will enjoy a scholarship which is equivalent to 100% of basic salary per month. The current basic salary level is VND1.15 million ($51). A scholarship equivalent to 80% of the monthly basic salary will be given to students in boarding schools and handicapped Kinh people in disadvantageous, islands, and border areas. A scholarship equal to 60% of the monthly basic salary will cover Kinh people who live in extremely disadvantageous, island, and border areas. The beneficiaries will get VND1 million ($44.84) to purchase blanket, net, and clothes on every academic year. They will receive VND150,000 in aid for Lunar New Year festival and VND300,000 for transport fees. In addition, eligible students will be granted with health insurance, learning cost assistance, as well as encouraging scholarships. Meanwhile, ethnic minority students from poor households who study at vocational schools are already exempt from tuition, according to the government. With 54 ethnic groups, the ethnic population accounts for 13% of Vietnam’s population of over 91 million. (baochinhphu.vn Oct 26, vtc.vn Oct 7)