The Vietnamese government has issued Decree 188 outlining support policies for students at boarding schools and boarding schools in land border communes.
From July 15, pupils at boarding schools will receive nearly VND 1.2 million in meal support and 15 kilogrammes of rice each month from the government (Photo: Hong Vinh).
Under the new policy, semi-boarding students staying at school for lunch will receive VND 450,000 (approximately USD 17) per month in meal support for up to nine months each academic year.
Boarding students will receive nearly VND 1.2 million (approximately USD 46) per month in meal allowances, also for a maximum of nine months per academic year.
In terms of food support, semi-boarding students will receive 8kg of rice each month, while boarding students will receive 15kg of rice monthly.
The decree also provides support for personal items and school supplies for boarding students. Each student will receive VND 2.05 million (approximately USD 79) to purchase two sets of uniforms and learning materials including notebooks, paper, pens and other school supplies.
At each education level, boarding students will also receive a one time in kind package including blankets, mosquito nets and other personal items worth VND 2.05 million (approximately USD 79).
Ethnic minority children entering grade one after completing Vietnamese language preparation classes will receive an additional month of meal and rice support.
Regarding boarding schools, the decree states that the government will prioritise investment in infrastructure and modern teaching equipment to support academic study, physical education and cultural development.
Boarding schools will also receive VND 100,000 (approximately USD 4) per student each month for operation and maintenance costs, for up to nine months per academic year.
In addition to regular operating budgets, boarding schools will receive funding for specialised activities including annual health checks for students, shared medicine cabinets and purchases of common medicines.
The government has set support at VND 540,000 (approximately USD 21) per student per academic year for cultural, artistic and sports activities, as well as equipment purchases related to student programmes.
Schools will also receive additional funding for kitchen and dining equipment, student cards and badges, admissions, graduation and final examinations, electricity and water bills, cooking services and after class student management.
Decree 188 will take effect on July 15.
