Lang Son, March 19, 2026 – The Europe Today: The Government of Vietnam on Thursday officially launched a coordinated groundbreaking ceremony for 121 multi-level boarding schools in border communes, marking a significant step toward enhancing education access and reinforcing national security in remote areas.
The initiative, led by the Ministry of Education and Training in collaboration with Vietnam Television, telecommunications groups VNPT and Viettel, and authorities from 17 provinces, was inaugurated through a hybrid ceremony held at Đồng Đăng Boarding School in Lạng Sơn Province, with simultaneous online connections to multiple project sites.
The project follows a conclusion by the Politburo to establish boarding schools at the primary and secondary levels in border communes. The initiative aims to expand educational opportunities, reduce regional disparities, and contribute to strengthening national defence and security in strategically important areas.
Vietnam currently has 22 provinces and cities encompassing 248 border communes and wards. While initial plans proposed building one boarding school per commune, practical considerations led some localities to adopt adjusted implementation models.
This phase of the project includes 121 schools across provinces such as Cao Bằng, Lạng Sơn, Tuyên Quang, Lào Cai, Lai Châu, Điện Biên, Thanh Hóa, Nghệ An, Hà Tĩnh, Quảng Trị, Huế, Quảng Ngãi, Đắk Lắk, Lâm Đồng, Tây Ninh, Đồng Tháp, and An Giang.
Local authorities have proposed a total investment of approximately VNĐ30 trillion (around US$1.14 billion) for the construction of these schools. Of this, the central government is expected to contribute VNĐ28 trillion, while local budgets will account for VNĐ2 trillion. The Ministry of Education and Training, in coordination with the Ministry of Finance, is currently reviewing funding allocation plans, with a target to complete the projects by August 30, 2027, ahead of the 2027–2028 academic year.
Earlier, construction on 108 boarding schools in border communes commenced in 2025 and is scheduled for completion before August 30, 2026.
The Ministry of Education and Training noted that it has updated institutional frameworks, organizational models, and special policies, while mobilizing resources to ensure the effective operation of the new schools upon completion.
