Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has approved a national target program on education for ethnic minority, mountainous and disadvantaged areas across the country between 2016 and 2020. The program aims to provide financial support for the construction, expansion and renovation of boarding schools for ethnic minority students with total investment of more than VND401.7 trillion ($17.67 billion). The investment can be increased but should not exceed VND1.1 trillion ($48.4 million). It will also offer VND4 trillion ($176 million) in funds to repair, upgrade, expand and provide necessary facilities for 1,070 schools, including semi-boarding high schools for ethnic minority students as well as elementary and secondary schools with day boarders, in extremely difficult areas. These schools will get support to purchase basic teaching aids, classroom desks and chairs, equipment for catering services and residential houses for students.- Part of the sum will be used to purchase utensils and equipment for 1,045 canteens, kitchens and 1,045 dormitories at the targeted schools. (VOV July 3)
