PM okays $85-million project to set up new education model

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has approved an $85-million new education model in primary schools.

The approval follows an assessment last week of a piloted education programme in 24 primary schools in Ha Giang, Lao Cai, Hoa Binh, Khanh Hoa, Dak Lak and Kon Tum in the school year of 2011-12.

The Ministry of Education and Training has been assigned the task of supervising the project over the next three years beginning in June.

The project is being funded by the Global Partnership for Education.

Le Tien Thanh, head of the Ministry of Education and Training's Primary Education Department, said the new education model would replace traditional teaching methods in the country's schools.

Under the programme, students will be encouraged to do more self-study, while teachers will act as supervisors. There will also be far less reliance on rote learning.

Priority will be given to 20 disadvantaged provinces which have a high proportion of ethnic students.

It is expected the programme will be introduced in 1,447 primary schools throughout the country.