Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) is transforming into a global hub for education, recently earning recognition from UNESCO as a member of its Global Network of Learning Cities. This ambitious initiative aims to make learning a part of daily life for every citizen, from young students to retirees. Through innovative district-level projects and community-driven efforts, the city is building a future where everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute to a thriving society.
What Does it Mean to be a “Learning City”?
A learning city is a place that effectively uses its resources to promote learning for everyone, from basic education to higher learning. The goal is to empower individuals, foster social unity, and create economic prosperity. It’s about building a culture where learning is not just confined to schools but happens in homes, workplaces, and communities.
By joining UNESCO’s network, HCMC has committed to this vision. This recognition is not just an award; it’s a responsibility to continue developing inclusive and quality learning opportunities for all its residents. The city is now on a global stage, sharing its successes and learning from other members to enhance its educational framework.
This commitment is central to HCMC’s long-term development strategy. Leaders believe that a well-educated and skilled population is the key to navigating the challenges of a rapidly changing world, particularly in the digital economy.
Grassroots Programs Making a Real Difference
Some of the most impactful initiatives in HCMC are coming from the ground up. In districts facing unique challenges, community-led programs are ensuring that no one is left behind. These efforts show that when a community invests in education, everyone benefits.
In Cu Chi District, the “Spiritual Parents” club is a standout example. This program connects organizations and compassionate individuals with students from disadvantaged backgrounds. These “parents” provide not just financial aid for school fees and supplies but also crucial emotional support and mentorship, creating a strong sense of community responsibility.
Meanwhile, in rapidly urbanizing districts like Binh Tan and Tan Phu, resource constraints are a major hurdle. To overcome this, residents have launched creative programs like the “Learning Piggy Bank” and “1-to-1 Scholarship.” These initiatives encourage local people to contribute small amounts, proving that collective effort can create significant opportunities for students in need.
Building a “Learning Society” from the Ground Up
District 4 has taken a structured approach to embedding education into every part of the community. Its “learning society” model is built on three core pillars designed to bring learning into all social units. This comprehensive strategy has achieved incredible buy-in from local leaders and residents.
The district has successfully established these key components:
- Learning Families: Encouraging learning activities and knowledge sharing within the home.
- Learning Communities: Promoting educational events and resource sharing in neighborhoods and residential areas.
- Learning Units: Implementing professional development and skill-building programs in schools, institutions, and even party cells.
This model has resulted in 100% participation from local party committees, which have been vital in establishing Learning Promotion Associations across the district. Today, these associations involve over 18% of the district’s population, creating a powerful network dedicated to educational advancement. The district also formally recognizes and rewards individuals and groups that actively contribute, reinforcing the value of shared responsibility.
The City’s Strategic Vision for the Future
Ho Chi Minh City is not just celebrating its current achievements; it is looking ahead with a clear and ambitious vision. According to city leaders, the UNESCO recognition is both an honor and a challenge to aim higher. The city is now focused on becoming a model learning hub within the digital economy.
The primary goal is to establish itself as a fully-fledged “learning city” by the end of 2025. This involves a multi-faceted approach that touches on policy, infrastructure, and public awareness.
| Area of Focus | Objective |
|---|---|
| Policy and Environment | Refine policies to help organizations create supportive learning environments. |
| Workforce Development | Facilitate professional development and upskilling for all workers. |
| Inclusivity | Ensure accessible learning for all, including retirees, homemakers, and people with disabilities. |
This strategic plan ensures that lifelong learning is not just a concept but a practical reality for every resident, helping them adapt to new technologies and thrive in a modern economy.
Engaging Every Citizen in the Joy of Learning
To make lifelong learning a city-wide culture, HCMC and its districts are actively promoting its value through various channels. The aim is to make education visible, accessible, and engaging for people of all ages and backgrounds.
Districts use everything from official web portals and social media to local newsletters to spread the word. Community events like “Lifelong Learning Week” bring residents together for educational activities, while mobile libraries deliver books and digital resources directly to neighborhoods. These efforts make learning a convenient and enjoyable part of daily life.
In a unique cultural approach, the city also incorporates storytelling sessions about the life and values of Uncle Ho. These gatherings aim to inspire a passion for self-improvement and continuous learning, connecting the city’s modern goals with its historical roots.
Investing in Modern Community Learning Centers
At the heart of HCMC’s strategy are its community learning centers. The city is making significant investments to upgrade the infrastructure and resources at these local hubs to meet modern educational demands.
This includes outfitting centers with updated IT equipment, providing digital resources, and training staff to support learners effectively. These upgraded facilities create an accessible and effective environment for citizens to acquire new skills, from digital literacy to vocational training. By keeping these centers state-of-the-art, HCMC ensures that its residents can keep pace with global trends and stay competitive in the job market.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a UNESCO Learning City?
A UNESCO Learning City is a city that promotes lifelong learning for all its citizens. It uses its resources across all sectors to create an environment where individuals can learn continuously, which helps foster personal growth, social inclusion, and economic development.
What are some examples of HCMC’s learning initiatives?
Ho Chi Minh City has many grassroots initiatives, including the “Spiritual Parents” club in Cu Chi to support underprivileged students, the “Learning Piggy Bank” in Binh Tan, and the structured “Learning Society” model in District 4.
How does HCMC support underprivileged students?
The city supports underprivileged students through community-based programs. Initiatives like the “Spiritual Parents” club and “1-to-1 Scholarship” mobilize social resources to provide financial aid and emotional support, helping students overcome barriers to education.
What is HCMC’s main goal for its lifelong learning program?
HCMC’s main goal is to establish itself as a “learning city” within the digital economy by the end of 2025. This includes creating policies for learning environments, upskilling its workforce, and ensuring access for all demographics.
How are community learning centers being improved in HCMC?
The city is investing heavily in its community learning centers by upgrading IT infrastructure, providing digital resources, and training personnel. This ensures the centers can meet the evolving educational needs of the community and provide modern learning experiences.
