At the beginning of 2025, amidst a busy schedule, Mr. Nguyễn Văn Đoạt, Director of the provincial Department of Education and Training (DoET), took time to share with reporters the remarkable achievements of the sector over the past school year.

According to him, while Điện Biên still faces certain difficulties as a mountainous region, it also enjoys numerous advantages for educational development. Chief among these is the support from the Central and provincial authorities, organizations, individuals, and benefactors. As a result, the province’s school infrastructure has become increasingly modern and comprehensive, with an extensive network of schools covering even the most remote villages.

Currently, 486 educational institutions operate across all levels in the province, with 78.1% of schools meeting national standards and 76.3% passing education quality accreditation. Apart from resources, the province’s resilient spirit has been a fundamental factor in maintaining its high educational quality compared to other midland and northern mountainous provinces.

In the 2023-2024 academic year, Điện Biên recorded its highest high school graduation rate in a decade with 99.51%, up 0.27% from the previous academic year. Of the 36 schools with registered candidates for the national high school exam, 21 achieved a 100% graduation rate, including Lê Quý Đôn Gifted High School, the provincial Ethnic Boarding High School, Mường Lay Town High School, Điện Biên District High School, Mùn Chung High School, and Tả Sìn Thàng Secondary & High School. The remaining schools also recorded graduation rates above 90%.

Although Điện Biên District High School is not one of the province’s major educational institutions, it has consistently improved comprehensive education quality, maintaining its national standard status and earning the trust of both the DoET and the community. In 2023-2024 period, the school exceeded most of its set targets, with over 92.25% of students achieving good or excellent conduct ratings and 63.38% attaining high academic performance. Its high school graduation rate was nearly 100%, surpassing the provincial average by 0.76%.

According to Mr. Đào Xuân Mạnh, Vice Principal of Điện Biên District High School, the school places particular emphasis on the quality of teaching. “The achievements of the past academic year reflected the relentless efforts of both teachers and students. With nearly 40 years of development, our school will continue to strive for even greater achievements in the 2024-2025 academic year,” he emphasized.

Despite facing difficulties, the DoET of Điện Biên Province has recorded outstanding results. Notably, the number of students participating in the National Excellent Student Competition reached its highest level, with 26 awards, including three second prizes. For the first time, a student from Điện Biên won second place in Mathematics, and for the third consecutive year, students achieved awards in English. Additionally, Điện Biên led the Northern Border Mountainous Region in school enrollment rates and was recognized by the Ministry of Education and Training as one of the top provinces in implementing the 2018 General Education Curriculum.

2025 marks the final year of the provincial Party Congress for the 2020-2025 term, and till date, most educational targets have been met or exceeded. According to DoET Director Nguyễn Văn Đoạt, as of the 2024-2025 academic year, Điện Biên Province has 482 schools (168 kindergartens, 296 general education schools, 17 training centers, and 1 college), along with 795 kindergarten branches and 360 primary school branches. They house 7,333 classes with 208,046 students and trainees. Compared to the beginning of the term, the province has reduced 5 schools, achieving 101.05% of the set target.

In addition, the kindergarten enrollment rate for children aged 3-5 reached 99.89%, exceeding the target by 0.1%. Other key indicators, such as the enrollment rate for first graders, primary school students aged 6-10, sixth graders, and students attending secondary and high schools, have also surpassed planned goals.

With the aim of exceeding the targets set by the provincial Party Congress and the annual plans of the provincial People's Committee, the DoET is committed to implementing comprehensive and systematic reforms in education and training. The primary focus will be on restructuring and streamlining public educational institutions to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

Key measures include: Developing policies to attract teachers, particularly for remote areas, and improving working and living conditions to ensure long-term commitment; engaging in direct dialogue with educators, administrators, and staff to address concerns and find solutions to pressing issues; proactively advising on the establishment of Điện Biên Phủ University and reorganizing the provincial vocational college to align with the new university structure; and coordinating the establishment of a branch of Thái Nguyên University and an education complex under FPT Corporation in Điện Biên.

Despite numerous challenges, the strong commitment from provincial leaders, education and training sector, and local community has propelled Điện Biên’s education and training sector forward. Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond, the province will continue to prioritize investment in human resources, infrastructure, and modern education models to enhance quality and accessibility.

With determination, innovation, and collaboration, Điện Biên is well on its way to becoming a leading province in educational development in the Northern mountainous region of Việt Nam.