A bridge to building a learning society

Following the merger of the former Dong Nai and Binh Phuoc provinces, the Dong Nai provincial Study Promotion Association (SPA) has expanded significantly. The association currently boasts over 1 million members, representing more than 22% of the total provincial population. This force plays a vital role in promoting study and talent, as well as building a learning society across the province.

Le Truong Son, member of the Provincial Party Standing Committee and Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, and Le Thi My Phuong, Chairwoman of the provincial SPA, present scholarships to students overcoming difficulties for the 2025-2026 academic year. Photo: Hai Yen

Thanks to SPA programmes, thousands of disadvantaged pupils and students receive annual support to continue their education. SPA branches at all levels, from hamlets and residential quarters to the provincial level, have implemented programmes to honour and reward high-performing students. Additionally, the association promotes models such as learning citizens, learning families, learning communities, and learning units, contributing to the development of a learning society.

Supporting students to school

Nguyen Quang Hung is a fourth-year student majoring  in Information Technology at Dong Nai Technology University. Despite suffering from congenital achondroplasia, a genetic bone growth disorder resulting in dwarfism, Hung has made extraordinary efforts to overcome challenges in his studies. Throughout this journey, he has received consistent support from the Dong Nai provincial SPA.

During the 2025–2030 period, the Learning Citizen model focuses on the implementation of the emulation movement "Each citizen engages in self-study and lifelong learning to meet the requirements of sustainable development in the digital transformation era". The movement aims to strongly inspire patriotism, a spirit of self-learning, self-reliance, and aspirations for development, contributing to the building of a civilised, friendly, and compassionate Dong Nai citizens.

Hung shared that he first received a scholarship from the association when he was in Grade 6. Since then, he has been awarded a scholarship every year, with increasing value at each educational level. Most recently, he was awarded a 10 million VND scholarship for disabled university students.

Beyond financial assistance for study materials, these scholarships have provided Hung with significant moral encouragement, motivating him to persevere and continue his educational journey. "I feel thrilled to receive such care and support. It gives me peace of mind to focus on my studies," Hung said.

Hung is just one of hundreds of thousands of students who have benefited from SPA scholarships over the years. To maintain this support, the Study Promotion Fund has received enthusiastic backing from various organisations and individuals. Furthermore, the "Piggy Bank" movement has spread widely across families, schools, hamlets, residential groups, communes and wards. All funds raised are used for scholarships, commendations, and support for learning materials for pupils and students.

Over the years, hundreds of thousands of disadvantaged pupils have benefited from the fund, enabling them to strive and achieve better learning outcomes. Many of them, after graduating and securing stable employment, have joined alumni clubs to continue supporting other disadvantaged learners in their localities. In 2024 alone, the total value of study promotion funds at all levels across the province reached nearly 250 billion VND, equivalent to about 70,000 VND per capita.

The province currently has more than 1 million SPA members, including over 77,000 Party members. To ensure the continuity and development of study promotion activities after the provincial merger and the reorganisation of communes and wards, the Dong Nai Provincial SPA promptly established working groups to support grassroots units in consolidating their executive committees, moving towards holding congresses at both commune and provincial levels.

During the 2025–2030 period, the association will continue to promote lifelong learning within families, clans, agencies, units and residential communities. It also plans to conduct training on digital transformation and green transition for its members.

Nguyen Thi Huong, Vice Chairwoman of the Dak O Commune People's Committee and Chairwoman of the commune's SPA, stated that the local association was consolidated on July 1, 2025. Previously, commendation for excellent pupils and students was organised by the former Bu Gia Map district association, while the commune faced difficulties in mobilising resources for scholarships. She expressed hope that the provincial association would provide legal guidance on building and using the Study Promotion Fund, as well as support in mobilising resources and awarding scholarships, particularly for ethnic minority pupils and students, to prevent interruptions in their education.

Consolidating organisation and spreading effective models

Le Thi My Phuong, Chairwoman of the Dong Nai provincial SPA, announced that the first Congress of the Dong Nai provincial Study Promotion Association for the 2025-2030 term would be held on December 30. Immediately after the congress, the top priority will be directing commune-level associations to consolidate personnel and organise their congresses. These congresses will also integrate a five-year review of the Project on Building a Learning Society for the 2021–2030 period and honour exemplary Learning Citizens, Learning Families, Learning Clans, and Learning Communities at the grassroots level.

Le Truong Son, member of the Provincial Party Standing Committee and Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, presents scholarships to students overcoming difficulties for the 2025-2026 academic year. Photo: Hai Yen

Given the vast geographical area of Dong Nai after the merger, the provincial association plans to assign Standing Board members to oversee nine emulation clusters across the province. These officials will closely engage with grassroots units, promptly grasp local situations, proactively propose appropriate solutions, and identify innovative practices and effective models for wider dissemination. The association also aims to work with each commune and ward at least once a year.

In reality, the provincial association has proactively worked with communes and wards to support the establishment and consolidation of new associations after the merger. In areas facing difficulties, the association has conducted multiple working visits with local leaders.

Phuong noted that despite existing challenges, study promotion officials are highly dedicated, and grassroots associations show strong consensus with programmes implemented by higher levels. Notably, some former district-level officials, after administrative restructuring, have continued to support study promotion activities voluntarily.

She further emphasised that while social mobilisation for the Study Promotion Fund has been effective, sustainable development of study promotion cannot rely solely on external resources. The key lies in promoting the roles of families, clans, and units. Most importantly, it is about encouraging our own children to study, and upholding the spirit of lifelong learning and learning without end. To achieve this, grassroots study promotion officials play a crucial role in communication and encouragement.

By Hai Yen – Translated by My Le, Thu Ha