BORDER SCHOOLS: Expectations from the beginning - Si Pa Phin

(Chinhphu.vn) - In the middle of the Northwest mountains and forests, where the country's border is still full of hardships, a school is gradually being built not only with concrete and steel, but also with the faith, expectations and hearts of many people. Si Pa Phin Primary - Secondary School, Dien Bien Province is the first border education project after the Politburo's Conclusion Notice No. 81-TB/TW, which is growing day by day, opening up a brighter future for ethnic minority children.

Báo Chính Phủ•04/10/2025

TRƯỜNG HỌC VÙNG BIÊN: Kỳ vọng từ bước khởi đầu - Si Pa Phìn- Ảnh 1. — On September 27, Secretary of Dien Bien Provincial Party Committee Tran Quoc Cuong led a working delegation to inspect the progress of the Si Pa Phin Commune Inter-level School project, accompanied by Party Secretary and Chairman of Si Pa Phin Commune People's Council Bui Thu Hang (second from right to left) - Photo: Si Pa Phin

The project is gradually taking shape.

More than 2 months ago (July 27, 2025), General Secretary To Lam and the Central working delegation were present at the border commune of Si Pa Phin to attend the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the Primary - Secondary School. For the people here, it was not just a ceremony but a historical milestone, the beginning of a dream of quality education in the great Northwest.

"This is an unprecedented event for us," Ms. Bui Thu Hang - Party Secretary, Chairwoman of the People's Council of Si Pa Phin commune shared with the Government Electronic Newspaper. "Being chosen as the starting point for the policy of investing in schools in border communes, the people of Si Pa Phin are extremely moved and grateful for the deep concern of the Party and State."

TRƯỜNG HỌC VÙNG BIÊN: Kỳ vọng từ bước khởi đầu - Si Pa Phìn- Ảnh 2. — Contractors are speeding up construction progress - Photo: Si Pa Phin

Ms. Hang said that, in response to the General Secretary's very specific instructions to "do it well, quickly and effectively", the Si Pa Phin commune government quickly developed a coordination plan to handle any problems that may arise.

"We have directed the Commune People's Committee to closely coordinate with the Project Management Board and provincial departments and branches to complete land procedures, inventory assets, and create a clean site ready for official construction from August 7, 2025."

Not only focusing on technology, the local government also promoted propaganda and mobilization of the people, creating consensus from the grassroots. The commune Party Committee also continuously inspected, urged progress and quickly handled problems arising at the scene.

Up to now, the project has achieved remarkable results. "Currently, the leveling volume for the site has reached over 96%, the construction items have been completed at over 30%, the disbursement rate has reached over 56% of the assigned capital plan," Ms. Bui Thu Hang informed. "Although the weather is unfavorable, heavy rain has hindered construction, but thanks to the close coordination between levels and sectors, the construction site still maintains continuous operation."

Not only the government's determination, but also the local people's consensus, creating a valuable synergy. "In particular, 12 households and individuals whose land was recovered fully supported the cause, without any problems. That sharing is very valuable," Ms. Hang said emotionally.

TRƯỜNG HỌC VÙNG BIÊN: Kỳ vọng từ bước khởi đầu - Si Pa Phìn- Ảnh 3. — The construction site has the participation of about 400 construction workers along with dozens of modern vehicles and machines - Photo: Si Pa Phin

School of dreams and expectations

With a total investment of 220 billion VND supported by Hanoi City and socialization, Si Pa Phin Inter-level School is one of the largest and most modern educational projects in the border area. The project includes 31 classrooms, a dormitory, a library, a multi-purpose hall, a sports field, a swimming pool and subject classrooms, expected to serve more than 1,000 students who are ethnic minorities in remote, isolated and border communes.

"We have high expectations for the change this project will bring," said Ms. Bui Thu Hang. "Expected to be completed and put into operation from the second semester of the 2025-2026 school year, the school will help maintain student numbers, improve the quality of education and reduce the number of students dropping out of school."

Not only does it teach, the school is also a place to preserve the cultural identity of ethnic groups, nurture dreams and create the foundation for forming future generations of local officials, as well as making an important contribution to the cause of socio-economic development and strengthening national defense and security in the border commune of Si Pa Phin in particular and Dien Bien province in general.

"This is not just a school, but a work of trust, of expectation, of connection between the central and local levels, between the Party's will and the people's hearts," Ms. Bui Thu Hang affirmed.