In recent days, social networks have appeared with the content that Suoi Tan Primary School (Cam Lam District, Khanh Hoa) called for support to repair the school campus with an estimated budget of 258 million VND, calling on each parent to contribute according to their generosity, but the minimum is 100,000 VND/student.

No call for minimum contribution of 100,000 VND/student

On March 3, speaking with Tuoi Tre Online , Ms. Nguyen Thi Hoang Oanh - principal of Suoi Tan Primary School - confirmed that the above information was incorrect. She and the parents' representative board did not request a minimum contribution of VND100,000 per student to cover the cost of pouring concrete outside the school gate.

According to Ms. Oanh, the area where parents pick up their children on both sides outside the school gate has deteriorated and is only reinforced with soil, so when it rains, it is very difficult to pick up and drop off children.

To meet parents' wishes, the school has followed Circular 16, made a plan to receive sponsorship and asked for opinions from superiors.

In the meeting held on February 22, the principal, parents' representatives and the presidents of 28 classes mentioned the parents' wish to pour concrete in front of the school gate to facilitate student pick-up and drop-off.

"In the meeting, someone said that the school must have a clear budget so that parents will know how to support it," said Ms. Oanh.

According to Ms. Oanh, there is someone in the school's parents' association who works in the construction industry, so she asked this person to calculate the cost of pouring concrete in front of the school gate in each phase, about 258 million VND.

During the meeting, some parents calculated the amount to be divided among the school's total of 957 students.

"I myself replied that the school followed Circular 16 in the spirit of appeal, only hoping that parents would support to make the school gate spacious, not calling for or directing to collect a minimum of 100,000 VND from each student," said Ms. Oanh.

Local authorities direct socialization of concrete pouring outside school gates

According to records, the area where parents wait for students on both sides of the school gate is reinforced with soil and is located lower than Highway 1.

Mr. Le Van Minh (54 years old, resident of Cam Lam district) said that Suoi Tan Primary School was built a long time ago. When National Highway 1 was upgraded, the school was sunken, making it difficult for the school grounds to drain when it rained heavily.

"Every time it rains and windy, it's very difficult for us to pick up our children. The kids run around and fall all over the dirt road," said Mr. Minh.

Tuoi Tre Online asked why the school did not ask the local authorities for financial support to pour concrete outside the school gate. The principal said that the school must first develop its capabilities, and the local authorities will provide support.

Regarding this issue, Mr. Huynh Uy Vien - Vice Chairman of Cam Lam District People's Committee - said that he will propose that Suoi Tan Commune People's Committee inspect and come up with a socialized plan to pour concrete on both sides of the school gate, supporting people in picking up and dropping off students.

"The District People's Committee thoroughly instructs schools in the district to strictly follow regulations on collecting and spending school fees to avoid negativity and unnecessary misunderstandings," said Mr. Vien.