Construction begins on the Long Sap Commune Inter-level Boarding School project (Primary and Secondary levels). Photo by PV.

Following the reorganization of commune-level administrative units, Son La province now has 13 border communes, with a total of 45 schools and over 38,000 students, of which over 80% are children of ethnic minorities. In recent years, the province has prioritized allocating significant resources to develop infrastructure for these schools.educationIn border areas, the network of schools has been expanded. However, many schools do not meet minimum standards, lacking classrooms, functional rooms, boarding facilities, auxiliary facilities, and teaching equipment; living conditions for teachers and students are inadequate, affecting the quality of teaching and learning.

On July 18, 2025, the MinistryPoliticsThe issuance of Conclusion Notice No. 81-TB/TW on the policy of investing in school construction for border communes has created opportunities for tens of thousands of students in the province's border areas to study in favorable conditions. This is also an important step in the strategy of developing education, raising the intellectual level of the people, creating a source of ethnic minority cadres, and contributing to strengthening national defense and security in border areas.

Leaders of the Provincial People's Committee inspected the progress of construction of multi-level boarding school projects in border communes.

In accordance with the policies of the Politburo and the Provincial People's Committee.Son LaThe province issued a decision to apply a special mechanism to invest in the construction of 13 boarding schools for primary and secondary levels in border communes, creating a legal framework for an unprecedented campaign in terms of scale and speed. The province established working groups to urgently survey and compile a list of 13 boarding schools for investment and construction; directed relevant departments and agencies to coordinate with local authorities to survey project sites, finalize planning, and develop compensation and land clearance plans in accordance with regulations. The goal was to ensure that each border commune had at least one spacious and modern school.

Construction is underway on the Long Phieng Commune Primary and Secondary Boarding School Project.

With the high level of effort and determination of the entire political system, in just over 4 months of implementation, 13 boarding schools for primary and secondary levels in Son La province were successively started construction, much to the joy of officials, teachers, students, and people of all ethnic groups.

Perspective view of the Chiềng Sơn Commune Inter-level Boarding School Project (Primary and Secondary levels).

In the days leading up to Tet (Lunar New Year), the construction site of the Chieng Son Commune Inter-level Boarding Primary and Secondary School Project was bustling with activity. Mr. Hoang Van Han, Director of Moc Chau Investment and Construction Joint Stock Company, the project's contractor, stated: The project has a total investment of 230 billion VND; covering an area of ​​5 hectares with 23 items and auxiliary facilities, meeting the learning and boarding needs of approximately 1,000 students. To date, the company has leveled the ground, excavated foundations, and poured concrete foundations for several items, such as: subject classrooms, student dormitories, a multi-purpose building, and a swimming pool… To ensure progress, we have mobilized 35 construction vehicles of various types and more than 70 workers divided into 3 shifts and 4 teams. We strive to complete the project ahead of schedule, fulfilling the expectations of teachers, students, and the local community.

Construction is underway on the Chiềng Sơn Commune Primary and Secondary Boarding School Project.

The family of Mr. Lo Van Quan, residing in sub-district 2, Chieng Son commune, is one of 24 households within the project area. As soon as the plan to build a boarding school was announced, his family readily agreed and promptly handed over the land so that the project could be implemented. Mr. Quan shared: "Certainly, wherever knowledge goes, the border region will be strong. For the future of our children in the border region, my family voluntarily donated land and strongly supports the Party, State, and Government's policy of building schools."

At Xuan Nha Primary and Secondary School, teachers and students alike are excited that in just a few months, the commune's multi-level boarding school will be completed. Children in the border commune of Xuan Nha will have a spacious school with accommodation, a sports field, a library, a swimming pool, and other amenities that seemed unattainable in this mountainous region. Mr. Dang Nhan Tay, the principal of Xuan Nha Primary and Secondary School, happily stated: "Having been involved in border education for 25 years, I have always dreamed of a spacious, modern school with the best learning conditions for our students. That dream is about to become a reality. The school has advised the People's Committee of the commune to develop a plan for the placement of teachers and students, ready for operation when the new school opens."

Bui Thi Le Khuyen, a student from Xuan Nha Primary and Secondary School, said with a radiant smile: "We've been looking forward to the day we can study at our new school. The school has a boarding facility and we can learn many extracurricular subjects. We promise to try our best to study hard."

The first bricks laid for these multi-level boarding schools have ignited hope for a bright future for education in the mountainous border region. When the 13 schools are completed, they will create a cradle to nurture young minds, carrying with them the responsibility of preserving and developing this frontier land of the Fatherland.