Hanoi, June 2, 2025 – The Europe Today: On the occasion of International Children’s Day, Party General Secretary Tô Lâm on Sunday paid a heartfelt visit to Nguyễn Đình Chiểu Secondary School and Xã Đàn Secondary School, two specialised institutions dedicated to educating students with disabilities in the capital city.
During the visit, the Party leader extended warm regards and presented gifts to teachers and students, commending their commendable efforts and achievements. He expressed deep admiration for the perseverance and optimism demonstrated by the students, noting that while their educational journey is considerably more challenging, with determination, self-respect, and the unwavering support of teachers, families, and friends, they will be able to overcome difficulties and achieve meaningful success.
“The Party, the State, teachers, parents, and the entire society always stand by the children, supporting them with love and a strong sense of responsibility,” General Secretary Tô Lâm affirmed.
He emphasised that caring for children with disabilities must be viewed as a political obligation, a humanitarian pledge, and a reflection of the nation’s civilisation and progress. He called on ministries, agencies, and authorities at all levels, along with the broader community, to take stronger, more coordinated actions in support of inclusive education and disability care.
The Party leader urged the Ministry of Education and Training and the Ministry of Health to work closely with relevant agencies to replicate specialised school models similar to Nguyễn Đình Chiểu and Xã Đàn schools. These institutions, he said, should serve as supportive environments for children with various congenital disabilities—including hearing and visual impairments, intellectual disabilities, autism, effects of Agent Orange, and other conditions—ensuring equal opportunities for integration into society.
Highlighting the urgent need for a comprehensive and synchronised policy framework for special education, the Party chief called for the development of interconnected systems linking schools with hospitals, rehabilitation centres, and vocational guidance services. He stressed the importance of training specialised teachers, therapists, and school psychologists, as well as developing appropriate teaching materials and assistive devices tailored to different types of disabilities.
Financial support, scholarships, insurance, and learning facilities must also be made more accessible, especially for children in rural, remote, and underserved areas, he added.
Furthermore, the General Secretary advocated for the establishment of special education support centres and disability-friendly school models equipped with accessible infrastructure to accommodate diverse needs.
For Nguyễn Đình Chiểu and Xã Đàn schools in particular, he recommended stronger collaboration with healthcare institutions and vocational and arts organisations to create a well-rounded, multi-dimensional learning environment. “Children should not only learn to read and write but also learn to work, become good and useful citizens, and live happily,” he noted.
In a heartfelt message to parents, the Party leader urged them not to feel disheartened because of their children’s disabilities. “Give your children more love, and work with the community to minimise the care, education, and treatment gap between them and other children,” he said. “What these children need most is to be loved, recognised, expected, and accompanied. The family must be a strong pillar to help them step confidently into society.”
As part of the visit, General Secretary Tô Lâm presented musical instruments to both schools, toured the dormitory for visually impaired students and the schools’ art spaces, and took commemorative photos with teachers and students.
