In a bold move, Ho Chi Minh City is accelerating its plans to establish English as a second language in schools, alongside integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into its education system. This strategic shift aims to propel the city towards a knowledge-based economy, empowering students with enhanced language and digital skills.
The English Language Initiative
Marie Curie High School, for instance, has been creating an English-speaking environment, using bilingual signage and documents to familiarize students and teachers with the language. The school has also strengthened international exchanges and promoted foreign language programs, developing a strong English club and offering additional language options.
Principal Nguyen Tran Khanh Bao emphasizes the need for official evaluation criteria to guide schools in their preparation for this initiative. He believes this will enable proactive planning and ensure a smooth transition.
Similarly, Do Ngoc Chi, principal of Nguyen Binh Khiem Elementary School, highlights the importance of developing mechanisms to enhance the existing English teaching workforce and balance teacher allocation.
Private Investment and Natural Demand
Nguyen Tan Phat, director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Education and Training, acknowledges the significant role of private investment in the city's education system. He notes that English learning has become a natural demand among the city's residents, with schools actively developing roadmaps and measures to improve education quality.
Ho Chi Minh City's Educational Leadership
Former National Assembly Committee for Culture and Education chairman Phan Thanh Binh commends Ho Chi Minh City for its early adoption of English education, starting 13 years ahead of many other localities. The city's commitment to education is evident in its budget allocation, with approximately 25% dedicated to education, surpassing the national benchmark of 20%.
Trieu The Hung, deputy chairman of the National Assembly's Committee for Culture and Society, praises city schools for their proactive efforts in creating English-learning environments and encouraging language use on campus. He also highlights the city's success in mobilizing private investment, with a significant proportion of educational institutions being privately operated.
Challenges and Opportunities
However, the city's education sector faces challenges due to rapid urban development. Duong Anh Duc, head of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee's Propaganda and Mass Mobilization Commission, calls for closer coordination among education authorities and local administrations. He emphasizes the need for stronger cooperation between the Department of Education and Training and local authorities to create a conducive learning and teaching environment.
Duc also urges the city to expand its education strategy beyond high school, encompassing all levels from preschool to postgraduate education. He believes Ho Chi Minh City should leverage its extensive network of junior colleges and universities, similar to other major metropolitan areas, to develop talent identification programs and strengthen links between schools and higher education institutions.
Progress and Capacity Concerns
In the first half of the year, Ho Chi Minh City made significant progress, recognizing additional schools as meeting national standards and establishing new high schools. The city's '150-day campaign to complete 1,000 classrooms' has resulted in the delivery of new classrooms.
However, officials acknowledge that overcrowding remains a challenge in rapidly urbanizing areas, with the actual number of classrooms falling short of the target in many localities.
AI Integration
The education sector has also reported progress in piloting AI education and developing high-quality human resources. This integration of technology into the curriculum is a crucial step towards preparing students for a digital future.
Conclusion
Ho Chi Minh City's ambitious plans to make English a second language and integrate AI into education demonstrate its commitment to preparing students for a globalized, knowledge-based economy. While challenges remain, the city's proactive approach, strong private investment, and focus on talent development position it well for educational excellence.
