Many schools in Ho Chi Minh City do not collect funds from parents.

At the beginning of the 2025-2026 school year, many schools in Ho Chi Minh City announced that they would not collect operating fees for the parent-teacher association (also known as the parent fund).

Circular 55/2011 of the Ministry of Education and Training promulgating the Charter of the Parents' Representative Board allows the collection of operating expenses of the parents' representative board of classes and schools (also known as class fund, school fund).

Reduce pressure on teachers and parents

“This school year, the principal announced that he would not be mobilizing school funds, which has reduced the pressure on teachers. However, without the support of this fund, organizing movements, cultural activities, and playgrounds will be difficult to be grand” - said a homeroom teacher of grade 12, Nguyen Huu Tho High School, Xom Chieu Ward, Ho Chi Minh City.

Teachers and students of Nguyen Huu Tho High School, Xom Chieu Ward, during a class. Photo: NGUYEN QUYEN

Although the fund is not collected from parents , classes can still collect class funds in accordance with the spirit of Circular 55 to cover class expenses such as buying batteries for microphones, photocopying documents, and costs for flower arranging and card making activities.

“The class fund is paid by parents on a voluntary basis. Those who have a lot contribute a lot, those who have little contribute a little, those who are in difficulty have their contribution reduced or do not have to contribute at all. Sometimes the homeroom teacher pays out of their own pocket to support some activities. The income and expenditure are made public on the parent group so that everyone can easily follow and monitor. For many years as a homeroom teacher, I have always received support and companionship from parents,” this homeroom teacher added.

Ms. Lu Thuy Yen Tam, a parent of a student at To Ky Secondary School, Hoc Mon Commune, shared that for many years, her child's school has not collected class or school funds.

"This helps parents significantly reduce financial pressure, especially for families in difficult circumstances. As for the cost of photocopying their children's study materials throughout the school year, parents agree that each person contributes a little," said Ms. Tam.

Computer class of teachers and students at To Ky Secondary School, Hoc Mon commune. Photo: NGUYEN QUYEN

No fundraising is still a good way to operate

Ms. Nguyen Thi Thu Hang, Principal of To Ky Secondary School, said that this area is mostly populated by immigrants and faces many difficulties. Therefore, for many years, the school has adopted a policy of not collecting class or school fees.

“The school provides classroom supplies such as brooms and trash cans, and the classes only collect money in installments to photocopy documents for students. For cultural activities, the school does not require renting separate costumes,” said Ms. Hang, adding that the school has just submitted a proposal to the ward People’s Committee asking for funding to repaint stairs, renovate restrooms, and replace desks for students.

“This is the first year I decided not to collect school funds even though Circular 55 allows it. Before that, we collected school funds on a voluntary basis, without equalization, with the support and cooperation of parents,” said Mr. Do Dinh Dao, Principal of Nguyen Huu Tho High School.

According to Mr. Dao, this year, if classes find they need funds for activities, they will mobilize parents themselves. "However, I will closely direct so that this does not become a burden "transferred from school to class". Homeroom teachers have been specifically instructed to only mobilize really necessary funds, specifically such as buying classroom supplies or learning materials" - Mr. Dao emphasized.

Mr. Dinh Van Trinh, Principal of Nguyen Hien Secondary School, Tan Thoi Hiep Ward, shared that Circular 55 of the Ministry of Education and Training allows the school to coordinate with the Parents' Representative Committee to mobilize social resources. However, the school's Board of Directors decided not to collect operating expenses from the Parents' Representative Committee to reduce the financial burden on parents.

Nguyen Hien Secondary School, Tan Thoi Hiep Ward, has a policy of not collecting funds from parents this school year. Photo: NGUYEN QUYEN

“We realize that although contributions are voluntary, for some families it can become a significant pressure. The school will use the budget to pay for regular activities and some basic extracurricular activities. In addition, we call on businesses, organizations and donors to sponsor major activities," Mr. Trinh added.

Innovate the form of mobilizing contributions from parents

The principal of Nguyen Hien Secondary School shared that if the school does not collect funds, it will face difficulties in some extracurricular activities. Therefore, the school is calling for cooperation from parents, not in cash but in other forms such as donating books, school supplies or participating in supporting the organization of events...

Products supported by parents of Vo Truong Toan Primary School to beautify the classroom. Photo: NTCC

For the past 3 years, Vo Truong Toan Primary School, Dien Hong Ward has changed the form of mobilizing contributions from parents instead of collecting from school and class funds.

Ms. Do Thi My Hoa, the school's principal, said that the classes do not collect any money for classroom decoration or extracurricular activities.

Students of Vo Truong Toan Primary School with their products when participating in the project "My second home". Photo: NTCC

“For example, the project “My Second Home” has just been implemented by students preparing recycled materials themselves. Some parents spend money to buy paper and decals to decorate the classroom to create a more lively learning environment for their children. These programs always have specific plans, clearly implemented to parents with the aim of encouraging the use of recycled materials as well as applying technology in the projects" - Ms. Hoa said.

For 8 consecutive years, Nguyen Van Luong Secondary School, Binh Phu Ward, has not collected funds from parents but has promoted socialization.

Mr. Dinh Phu Cuong, Principal, shared that the school has asked parents who are police officers and judges to come and provide legal advice and organize mock trials; parents who are doctors can provide health check-ups and medical advice...

Source: https://ttbc-hcm.gov.vn/nhieu-truong-hoc-tai-tp-hcm-khong-thu-quy-phu-huynh-1019655.html