Warmth on Teacher’s Day without flowers or gifts

The Dong Nai Department of Education and Training has recently issued a directive on practicing thrift and preventing waste, stating that no flowers, gifts, or receptions will be accepted on the occasion of the 43rd anniversary of Vietnamese Teachers' Day on November 20.

This year, the Department also encouraged educational institutions across the province to implement regulations on thrift and anti-waste practices strictly. At the same time, it encouraged schools to allocate resources for Vietnamese Teachers’ Day activities while continuing to support people in provinces and cities recovering from recent natural disasters.

Without creating unnecessary costs for families

According to the Department of Education and Training, the practice of not receiving flowers, gifts, or hosting guests on Vietnamese Teachers’ Day is not a new phenomenon. In fact, many provinces, cities, and educational institutions across the country have implemented this tradition for years. For example, the Department of Education and Training in Ho Chi Minh City has upheld this practice for 13 consecutive years and continues to do so this year.

Students at Lac Hong Bilingual School create paintings to celebrate the 43rd anniversary of Vietnamese Teachers’ Day on November 20. Photo: Cong Nghia

Several private schools in Dong Nai have, for many years, allowed teachers to receive flowers on Vietnamese Teachers’ Day, November 20, but strictly prohibit them from accepting gifts from students’ parents, especially cash or other material items. According to the principal of a private school in Tran Bien Ward, the school has maintained a policy for over a decade prohibiting teachers from accepting gifts from parents, not only on November 20 but also on other holidays and special occasions. This measure is designed to prevent misconduct and avoid placing parents with limited means in a difficult financial position. Teachers have raised no objections, as the school provides adequate benefits and support. On Teachers’ Day, the school also implements special arrangements to care for and encourage its staff.

The principal of a public school in Trang Dai Ward said the school has more than 80 classes, and on Vietnamese Teachers’ Day, the principal’s and vice principal’s offices are overflowing with flowers. If each class gives a bouquet worth around 500,000 VND, the total amount quickly adds up. By not giving flowers or gifts on this occasion, a significant amount of money can be saved, especially for parents who may have financial difficulties.

The principal added that, in line with guidance from the Department of Education and Training, the school will this year promote thrift and prevent waste through practical actions. Accordingly, the school has instructed homeroom teachers and class-level parent committees to encourage not giving flowers to members of the management board. Instead, the school suggests that, if possible, the school-level parent committee present a single bouquet on behalf of all classes to the teaching staff. Funds that parents would have spent on flowers for the management board may be redirected to support people affected by natural disasters, as called for by the Department of Education and Training.

Promoting a culture of frugality

Following the announcement by the Department of Education and Training not to accept flowers, gifts, or host guests on the occasion of Vietnamese Teachers’ Day on November 20, numerous schools in the province have joined the initiative. Principals noted that the policy is timely and appropriate, aligning with the national effort led by the Party to promote frugality and prevent waste and corruption. The policy also carries a humanitarian aspect, as parents can redirect money that would have been spent on flowers to support communities affected by storms and floods. This approach brings joy and meaning to parents, students, and teachers alike, while also instilling in students a sense of solidarity and care for others.

Hoac Cong Son, principal of Dieu Cai High School in La Nga Commune, noted that following the announcement from the Department of Education and Training, on November 12, the school launched a call for meaningful actions to mark the 43rd anniversary of Vietnamese Teachers’ Day. At the celebration on the morning of November 17, staff, teachers, students, and parents are invited to contribute to support communities affected by the second wave of natural disasters. The school also informed agencies, organizations, and parents attending the event that, instead of giving flowers or gifts, donations could be made to assist those impacted by the disasters.

This year, the 43rd anniversary of Vietnamese Teachers’ Day on November 20 marks the first time the Department of Education and Training has declined to receive flowers, gifts, or host guests; this practice has been consistently maintained over the past five years. Above all, it is a concrete and substantive action to promote thrift and prevent waste. At the same time, it helps avoid placing a burden on agencies and organizations, while allowing resources to be allocated to other pressing end-of-year priorities.

For teachers, Vietnamese Teachers’ Day on November 20 remains a sacred and meaningful occasion on which society expresses its gratitude to educators. The Department of Education and Training’s call for schools to practice thrift by not receiving flowers, gifts, or hosting guests on this day has not left teachers feeling slighted. Nguyen Van Vien, principal of Nguyen Binh Khiem High School in Nhon Trach Commune, shared: “For teachers, November 20 does not need to come with flowers or gifts to be a joyful and fulfilling day. This year, with many provinces and cities devastated by natural disasters, redirecting funds meant for flowers and gifts to support affected communities, especially teachers in disadvantaged areas, would make the occasion even more meaningful.”

Do Manh Toan, principal of Binh Long Specialized and Gifted High School in Binh Long Ward, said that in response to the Department of Education and Training’s guidance, the school’s Vietnamese Teachers’ Day celebrations this year are simple yet meaningful. Cultural events, performances, and sports have been reduced to prioritize teaching and learning. The school encourages teachers, students, and parents to practice frugality and direct savings toward supporting communities affected by natural disasters during the flag-raising ceremony on Monday morning, November 17.

By Cong Nghia - Translated by Tam Binh, Minho