Ensuring the conditions for universal preschool education.

(Baonghean.vn) - Following a survey on the implementation of the Project for Universalizing Preschool Education for 5-Year-Old Children, giai đoạn 2010 – 2015, in several localities in the province, on the afternoon of September 23rd, the Culture and Social Affairs Committee of the Provincial People's Council held a working session with the Department of Education and Training on this matter.

Representatives from the Department of Planning and Investment and the Department of Home Affairs also participated in the meeting.

Overview of the meeting

In implementing the Project on Universalizing Preschool Education for 5-Year-Olds, Party committees and authorities at all levels in the province have focused on leadership and guidance, implementing many specific and practical solutions suitable to the conditions of each locality. They have mobilized various sectors and organizations within the political system to actively participate in many activities to support the cause of education in general, and the universalization of preschool education for 5-year-olds in particular. Through the implementation of this project, the State at all levels has invested in facilities, learning materials, and toys for children, integrating various other resources. The scale of schools and classrooms has expanded the network. The entire province has 524 preschools, an increase of 16 schools (6 public and 10 private); the number of 5-year-old classes has increased by 125 compared to 2011.

Mr. Luu Duc Thuyen, Deputy Director of the Department of Education and Training, reported on the implementation of the project to universalize preschool education for 5-year-old children in the province.

The province has also prioritized increasing the number of teachers for preschool education, basically meeting the requirements, and simultaneously raising the percentage of teachers meeting and exceeding standards. As a result, the quality of childcare and education has improved. 100% of preschools apply the assessment of children's development according to the set of standards for the development of 5-year-old children, while also ensuring the quality of meals for children in schools and school branches that provide boarding services. To date, the enrollment rate for children under 3 years old is 18.6%; for children aged 3-5 years old is 89%, with 5-year-old children alone reaching 99.8%.

Mr. Bui Dinh Long, Director of the Department of Health and Member of the Culture and Social Affairs Committee of the Provincial People's Council, requested the Department of Education and Training to clarify several issues of concern.

Representatives from the Department of Internal Affairs clarified several issues related to the staffing levels for preschool teachers in the province.

However, Nghe An has 11 mountainous and highland districts with high poverty rates and difficult transportation conditions; 5 coastal districts and towns where life is closely tied to fishing, significantly affecting the awareness of childcare and education. There is a shortage of teachers and caregivers in some districts; school facilities, especially in mountainous and ethnic minority areas, do not meet the necessary conditions for teaching and learning, hindering the progress of the universal preschool education program for 5-year-old children.

Ms. Le Thi Huong, Head of the Preschool Department of the Department of Education and Training, explained some of the difficulties and challenges in providing supplies and toys to preschools.

Ms. Ton Thi Cam Ha, Deputy Head of the Culture and Social Affairs Committee of the Provincial People's Council, requested the Department of Education and Training to leverage its role as the standing agency of the Provincial Steering Committee for Universal Education to actively advise the province on resolving difficulties and shortcomings currently facing preschool education.

During the working session, the delegation from the Culture and Social Affairs Committee of the Provincial People's Council acknowledged the efforts of the Department of Education and Training in advising and coordinating the implementation of the project on universal preschool education for 5-year-old children, contributing to the basic achievement of the project's objectives. In addition, the delegation requested the Department to further enhance its role as the Standing Committee of the Provincial Steering Committee for Universal Preschool Education to continue advising the province on solutions, especially addressing difficulties and obstacles related to infrastructure and the teacher-to-staff ratio to ensure the sustainability of universal preschool education. They also requested increased coordination with other sectors and members of the Provincial Steering Committee for Universal Preschool Education to mobilize resources for preschool education. Emphasis was placed on directing schools to overcome difficulties, improve the quality of care and education, ensure the safety of children, and increase the enrollment rate of children in preschool, thus ensuring the sustainable universalization of preschool education for 5-year-olds.

Minh Chi