When school names lose their relevance

The implementation of the two-tier local government model and the transfer of schools to the management of commune-level People’s Committees marked an important step in the province’s administrative reform. However, this process has led to inconsistencies in the names of certain schools.

Specifically, the names of many high schools often contained the names of cities, towns, or districts. Under the 2025 Law on Local Government Organization, district-, town-, and city-level administrative units no longer exist, meaning that such names have become inaccurate and unsuitable in the new context. Similarly, preschools, primary schools, and lower secondary schools often included the names of communes, many of which no longer exist after mergers.

To address these inconsistencies and standardize the names of educational institutions across the province, the Departments of Home Affairs and Education and Training have issued documents requiring localities and schools to review their names and propose changes for those that no longer align with the new administrative units or current regulations. The renaming must ensure long-term stability and avoid duplication with the names of the province or any other commune-level administrative unit. After the review, each unit will prepare a proposal explaining the reasons and necessity for the change, along with the suggested new name.

The renaming process follows a strict and formal procedure. After proposals are submitted, the Department of Education and Training and commune/ward People’s Committees forward them to the Department of Home Affairs for consolidation. The Department of Home Affairs is responsible for compiling all proposals and reporting to the Standing Board of the provincial People’s Committee Party Committee, and then submitting them to the Standing Board of the Provincial Party Committee in accordance with the delegated management regulations. Upon approval by the Standing Board of the provincial Party Committee, the provincial People’s Committee will issue decisions to rename high schools under the Department of Education and Training, and will notify commune and ward People’s Committees to issue renaming decisions for schools under their jurisdiction.

New names that fit the context

According to the Department of Education and Training, among high schools directly under its management, 29 out of 33 have proposed new names, mainly by removing “district,” “town,” or “city” from their names or adopting new, more meaningful names.

For example, Điện Biên district High School has proposed to change its name to Hoàng Công Chất High School. Principal Trần Huy Hoàng explained: “Since the district no longer exists, having the word ‘district’ in the school name is no longer appropriate. Moreover, the school is located in an area renowned for the heroic exploits of Hoàng Công Chất, who drove out the Phẻ invaders and defended Mường Thanh and the northwestern border region. The area is home to the Bản Phủ Citadel - Hoàng Công Chất Temple heritage site, and the associated festival has been recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage. Therefore, we propose renaming the school to Hoàng Công Chất High School to honor his legacy.”

Many other schools have also proposed names that better reflect their locations, such as renaming Nậm Pồ High School to Nà Hỳ High School, Điện Biên district Boarding High School for Ethnic Minorities to Mường Thanh Boarding High School for Ethnic Minorities, Chà Cang High School to Mường Chà High School, Tả Sìn Thàng Secondary and High School to Sín Chải Secondary and High School, Mường Chà High School to Na Sang High School, and Điện Biên Đông district Boarding High School for Ethnic Minorities to Na Son Boarding High School for Ethnic Minorities.

Preschools, primary schools, and lower secondary schools under commune management have also submitted renaming proposals, which communes have compiled and forwarded to higher authorities. In Na Sang commune - a new administrative unit formed from the merger of Mường Chà town, Na Sang commune, Ma Thì Hồ commune, and Sa Lông commune - there are a total of 14 schools. Trần Hồng Quân, Chairman of the Na Sang commune People’s Committee, said: “After the merger, three schools from the former Mường Chà town have names that are no longer appropriate. The commune has directed these schools to review and propose new names in compliance with regulations.”

Accordingly, Mường Chà town Preschool is expected to be renamed Hoa Mai Preschool. Mường Chà town Primary School is proposed to become Na Sang Primary School (the commune already has Na Sang Primary School No.1 and No.2). Mường Chà town Secondary School is expected to be renamed Na Sang Secondary School No.1, to ensure consistency and avoid confusion with the existing Na Sang Semi-Boarding Secondary School for Ethnic Minorities.

Though renaming may seem like a minor detail, it reflects the province’s carefulness and determination in building a streamlined, efficient administrative apparatus. Renaming schools is not merely a bureaucratic procedure; when a school’s name accurately reflects its geographical location, legal status, and local cultural-historical heritage, it establishes a stronger foundation for education, cooperation, and sustainable development in the new context.