The 12th Commendation Ceremony highlights the power of education to uplift and connect communities from every corner of the nation.
Among the most meaningful moments at each ceremony is when the honorees – students and young people from ethnic communities – visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum to pay tribute. They bring with them the “fruits” of their journey through adversity: achievements earned through sheer determination and a deep thirst for knowledge.
The event not only honors academic excellence and social contributions but also affirms the effectiveness of government policies aimed at building human capital in mountainous and minority regions. More importantly, it spreads the spirit of learning across Vietnam’s 53 ethnic groups.
Policy as foundation
In recent years, the Committee for Ethnic Minority Affairs – now the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs – has been instrumental in advising the Party and State on a range of policies for ethnic minority areas. Among these, education and training are seen as foundational. Developing human capital is the most sustainable path to lifting disadvantaged regions out of poverty.
Supportive policies for ethnic minority students have grown increasingly comprehensive. These include financial aid, scholarship prioritization, the expansion of boarding schools for ethnic students, and efforts to preserve indigenous languages and scripts.
Thanks to these efforts, access to education in remote areas has expanded significantly. According to the Ministry of Education and Training, 98% of ethnic minority five-year-olds now attend preschool, while primary school enrollment exceeds 97% – a remarkable achievement for remote areas.
Within this broader picture, the Commendation Ceremony has emerged as a unique and meaningful initiative. It not only recognizes academic performance and personal development but also serves as clear evidence of the success of ethnic education efforts. Each honoree’s story reflects resilience, identity, and the desire to rise.
Over its 11 editions, the Ministry has actively partnered with other ministries, localities, and social organizations to organize the event. As such, the ceremony has evolved into more than an annual celebration – it’s now a symbol of sustainable human development for Vietnam’s highlands.
The direct involvement of senior leaders each year underscores a strong commitment: education and training for ethnic youth must remain central to Vietnam’s development strategy for minority regions.
A platform for connection and inspiration
Beyond the accolades, the Commendation Ceremony offers a rare space where ethnic minority students from across the country come together to connect, exchange experiences, and build networks.
The success stories that emerge from these events highlight not only the dedication of the Ministry and related agencies, but also the potential of minority youth when given the right support. The ceremony is part of a broader, humane, and sustainable approach: supporting through policy, investing in resources, and nurturing through recognition.
For these reasons, the event regularly welcomes top leaders of the Party and State, representatives of ministries and local governments, teachers, and millions of supporters from all over the country.
