Speaking at the congress, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Thien Nhan said that since its establishment 13 years ago, the Vietnam Study Encouragement Association has become a popular organization to give a helping hand to many people, especially those who are living in poor conditions.

Mr Nhan, who is also the Minister of Education and Training, asked the Association to step up its activities to help more young people go to school and promote a model of “friendly schools and active students”.

He also urged the Vietnam Study Encouragement Association to work closely with the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union to increase people’s awareness of the importance of education and vocational training and make study encouragement a priority of every Vietnamese family.

The Deputy PM promised that the State will continue to invest in study encouragement movements and do all it can to support the Association in its important work.

So far, the study encouragement funds at all levels have mobilised nearly VND500 billion for 2,5 million poor students and built or upgraded many schools in poor rural areas.

This year the Vietnam Study Encouragement Association has awarded 248 individuals and 156 organizations for their significant contributions to the study encouragement movements at all levels.