Vietnam’s Ministry of Education and Training (MoET) is taking into account postponing the back-to-school date from August 1 to after August 15 since the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) break delays the ending of the ongoing school year, local media reported. This year’s high school graduation examination would start on August 9, which might make it more difficult to properly prepare for the new school year, said Mr. Nguyen Xuan Thanh, head of the Department of Secondary Education under the MoET, on June 16. He also clarified that back-to-school period aims to ready up learners and teachers, not to teach and learn instantly. Several parents and many education experts have also voiced their support for the delay after the end of the National Day holiday (September 2), as that would give students more time to enjoy their summer vacation and better prepare for the new school year. Several localities have already moved to let students finish this school year early and enjoy a longer summer vacation. Central Nghe An province has hastened its lesson plans, both online and offline, so that students could finish their study programs within June. Several schools in Hanoi have either let their students take their final exams or ended the school year. Vietnam’s traditional day of opening new academic year is September 5. (VietnamNet, VietnamNet, Zing, VnExpress, Dan Tri)
