Ho Chi Minh City, recognized by UNESCO as part of its Global Network of Learning Cities, has embarked on an ambitious path to embed lifelong learning into its social fabric. From grassroots initiatives to district-level projects, the city is working to ensure learning opportunities are accessible for all, setting a precedent in educational reform.
Fostering a Culture of Lifelong Learning in Cu Chi District
Cu Chi District, known for its distinct socio-economic landscape, has made lifelong learning a cornerstone of its community development. By focusing on education as a means to boost public literacy and nurture skilled human resources, the district aims to elevate its economic and social landscape.
One of Cu Chi’s standout programs is the “Spiritual Parents” club, an initiative that matches organizations and individuals with underprivileged students, providing them with financial and emotional support. This approach not only alleviates immediate educational barriers but also fosters a culture of communal responsibility. Through the mobilization of social resources, the initiative has gained traction and helped raise educational opportunities for students who otherwise might be left behind.
District 4’s “Learning Society” Model
District 4 has embarked on a comprehensive strategy to cultivate a “learning society,” with a focus on creating “Learning Units,” “Learning Communities,” and “Learning Families.” These models aim to bring learning into various social units, from party cells to schools and neighborhoods. This district-wide adoption has led to 100% engagement from party committees and cells, which have been instrumental in setting up Learning Promotion Associations. Today, all schools, institutions, and neighborhoods in District 4 maintain dedicated Learning Promotion branches, involving a broad membership that represents over 18% of the district’s population.
This inclusive approach not only standardizes the district’s educational goals but also assigns specific roles to each unit. By recognizing and rewarding individuals and organizations that contribute to this learning ecosystem, District 4 emphasizes the importance of shared responsibility in promoting educational access and quality.
Innovative Solutions in Growing Districts: Binh Tan and Tan Phu
Districts undergoing rapid urbanization and facing high population growth, such as Binh Tan and Tan Phu, have encountered challenges in securing resources for educational initiatives. These districts, however, have demonstrated resilience through community-based programs. The “Learning Piggy Bank” and “1-to-1 Scholarship” are examples of grassroots efforts that encourage local residents to invest in education, making the pursuit of knowledge a community-wide endeavor. By fostering community engagement in educational funding, these initiatives mitigate resource constraints and empower students to continue their learning journeys despite financial obstacles.
A Strategic Vision: Recognizing UNESCO’s Honor and Challenge
According to Le Hong Son, Standing Deputy Head of the HCMC Party Committee’s Propaganda and Education Board, UNESCO’s recognition of Ho Chi Minh City as a learning city is both a privilege and a responsibility. This acknowledgment highlights the city’s achievements but also sets the stage for greater expectations. Ho Chi Minh City is committed to enhancing public awareness of lifelong learning, which has become central to its educational vision.
With this commitment, HCMC aims to establish itself as a “learning city” within the digital economy by the end of 2025. The approach is multifaceted, covering policy refinements to support organizations in creating learning environments and facilitating professional development for workers. At the same time, it ensures that all demographics, including retirees, homemakers, and people with disabilities, have access to educational resources and lifelong learning opportunities.
District-Level Initiatives to Engage Citizens
Across Thu Duc City and the 21 districts of HCMC, various promotional efforts are in place to elevate public engagement in learning. Each district leverages multiple communication channels—from web portals and newsletters to social media—to foster awareness about the value of lifelong learning. Additionally, community activities such as “Lifelong Learning Week” and mobile libraries have been introduced, bringing educational content directly to the neighborhoods.
The city also draws inspiration from the legacy of Uncle Ho, incorporating storytelling sessions about his life and values into community gatherings. These efforts aim to resonate with residents across generations, encouraging a cultural shift towards continuous education and self-improvement.
Investing in Community Learning Centers
To support its lifelong learning objectives, Ho Chi Minh City has focused on upgrading infrastructure and resources within community learning centers. Investments in IT infrastructure and personnel training ensure that these centers remain responsive to evolving educational demands. Digital resources and optimized facilities create an accessible and effective learning environment, enabling citizens to learn new skills and access knowledge in alignment with contemporary needs.
This commitment to maintaining state-of-the-art community learning centers reflects HCMC’s broader goal of fostering educational accessibility across all sectors. Through these centers, the city is able to provide relevant learning experiences that keep pace with global educational trends.
The Road Ahead: Making Lifelong Learning a Pillar of City Development
The trajectory of HCMC’s lifelong learning initiatives aligns closely with its larger ambitions for social and economic development. From programs supporting underprivileged students to community-wide learning promotions, HCMC is setting an example for other cities. By investing in learning as a foundation for societal progress, HCMC highlights the role of education in addressing challenges unique to each district and community.
The city’s drive toward a lifelong learning culture goes beyond conventional education, embedding it in daily life and community values. As HCMC approaches its 2025 goal, it continues to evolve as a model learning city—one where education is not merely confined to schools but is an intrinsic part of every citizen’s life.
