From Historic Victory to New Front in Education and Training

More than seventy years ago, the Dien Bien Phu Victory became a lasting symbol of Vietnam’s resilience and wisdom. Today, that same spirit is being renewed on a new front: the field of knowledge, where education and training serve as key forces for rapid and sustainable development.

Leaders of the Dien Bien Provincial Party Committee present flowers to congratulate the Party Committee of the Department of Education and Training on the successful 1st Party Congress for the 2025-2030 term

Strategic foundation and notable progress

On this historic land, Dien Bien’s education and training sector is steadfastly pursuing comprehensive reform, viewing education as the nation’s top priority. “Educational reform is not only about raising public awareness and training human resources, but also a political responsibility for the province’s development,” said Hoang Tuyet Ban, Director of the Department of Education and Training of Dien Bien province.

In line with Resolution 29-NQ/TW, the province has long prioritized resources for education. Dien Bien currently has more than 480 educational institutions serving over 206,000 students, more than 80% of whom are from ethnic minority groups. The network of semi-boarding schools for ethnic minority students has expanded to remote and mountainous areas, giving tens of thousands of Hmong, Thai, Kho Mu, and Ha Nhi students access to learning opportunities.

“Each classroom that remains open in highland areas is a new victory, because it represents the path out of poverty and toward a better future,” added Hoang Tuyet Ban.

Thanks to the attention of the Party and State and the dedication of teachers, Dien Bien has achieved remarkable results:

• Universal education: Achieved preschool standards for 5-year-old children (2014), primary education level 3, and lower secondary level 3 (2024).

• Teaching staff: Over 16,000 managers and teachers; 99% of administrators and 97% of teachers meet or exceed professional standards.

• Facilities: More than 77% of classrooms are permanent structures; over 84% of schools are accredited for quality; 82% meet national standards.

• Student performance: High school graduation rate exceeds 99%; many students have won national academic awards; the province is among the leaders in implementing the 2018 national general education curriculum reform.

In the era of digital transformation and global integration, the education and training sector of Dien Bien is implementing a wide range of coordinated solutions: applying the 2018 general education program with a student-centered approach; accelerating digital transformation and the use of information technology; building electronic learning resources; offering flexible online and in-person classes; enhancing life skills and career guidance; and linking vocational training with businesses to help highland students prepare for the modern labor market.

Innovation for integration and development

Dien Bien is entering a new phase of development with major projects such as the expansion of Dien Bien Airport, the Son La-Dien Bien Expressway, industrial clusters, and eco-tourism areas, creating an urgent demand for high-quality human resources. The province focuses on partnerships with domestic and international universities and institutes, sending hundreds of ethnic minority students to study under state sponsorship programs to return and serve their homeland, while promoting entrepreneurship and creativity among students.

Looking back, the Dien Bien Department of Education and Training has made steady progress but still faces challenges such as difficult terrain, local teacher shortages, and high dropout rates in remote areas. “We see every difficulty as a problem that needs a creative solution, turning challenges into motivation for innovation,” Hoang Tuyet Ban affirmed.

Toward the 2025-2030 period, the province’s education and training sector continues to play a pioneering role in developing high-quality human resources, contributing to making Dien Bien a dynamic growth area of the Northwest.

If the Dien Bien Phu victory in 1954 marked a milestone of national independence, today’s “education front” reflects the province’s aspirations for sustainable development. Dien Bien is writing a new chapter through knowledge and generations of students shaped by intellect and resilience to become a land of innovation, creativity, and integration.

By Ha Thanh, Vietnam Business Forum