Attending the workshop were experts from the Ministry of Education and Training, the World Bank, the Vietnam Institute of Educational Sciences, early childhood teacher training and professional development institutions, and representatives of early childhood education management agencies from Thai Nguyen, Nghe An, and Ho Chi Minh City.
In his opening remarks, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kieu Van Hoan – Vice President of Hanoi National University of Education, emphasized the foundational role of early childhood education in the national education system and affirmed the university's mission in training, research, and improving the quality of Vietnam's early childhood education in the context of digital transformation and international integration.
"Hanoi National University of Education commits to continuing its partnership with the Ministry of Education and Training and relevant stakeholders to develop a cohort of early childhood teachers meeting the new demands of the era, and to researching and implementing practical solutions to enhance the quality of early childhood education."
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kieu Van Hoan – Vice President of Hanoi National University of Education delivering the opening speech
Opening the workshop, Ms. Tran Anh Nguyet – Economist at the World Bank in Vietnam – presented an overview report, highlighting four focal areas of the "Start Strong Vietnam" program: (1) Prioritizing support and service provision for the most disadvantaged areas and the most vulnerable groups of children; (2) Ensuring quality through a competent and motivated teaching workforce; (3) Innovating the National Early Childhood Education Curriculum and Pedagogical Methods; (4) Diversifying early childhood education service models by encouraging quality non-public early childhood education.
Following this, representatives of the author team presented three thematic reports:
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The report "Ensuring the Quality of Early Childhood Education in Vietnam" was presented by Ms. Aija Maarit Rinkinen, Senior Education Specialist (World Bank), analyzing the policy framework, internal and external quality assurance mechanisms, and proposing the establishment of a unified national quality assurance system.
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The report "Developing Early Childhood Education Human Resources" was presented by Ms. Tracey McAskill, Education Specialist, focusing on the current state of the teaching workforce, challenges in recruitment, training, professional development, and teacher retention, while proposing two priorities and six reform objectives to develop a quality, cohesive, and sustainable early childhood teaching workforce.
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The report "Curriculum and Pedagogical Methods" was presented by Ms. Nguyen Thi My Trinh, emphasizing the orientation of curriculum innovation towards learning through play, strengthening inclusive education, and developing children's social - emotional skills.
Ms. Aija Maarit Rinkinen - Senior Education Specialist (World Bank) presenting the report "Ensuring the Quality of Early Childhood Education in Vietnam"
Ms. Tracey McAskill, Education Specialist, presenting the report "Developing Early Childhood Education Human Resources"
Ms. Nguyen Thi My Trinh presenting the report "Curriculum and Pedagogical Methods"
After the presentations, delegates were divided into three parallel discussion groups, focusing on in-depth exchanges on each topic: (1) Quality Assurance and System Governance; (2) Development of the Early Childhood Teaching Workforce; (3) Curriculum, Educational Methods, and Teaching Practices. The groups provided many valuable comments to refine the Report.
Concluding the workshop, representatives from both sides agreed to continue collaborating in the process of finalizing the Report on Vietnam Early Childhood Education, aiming to contribute to the goal of building a quality, equitable, and sustainable early childhood education system, ensuring that all children can learn, develop, and thrive happily from their earliest years.
Some other photos from the Workshop:
