A total of 145 ethnic minority students, university graduates, and youth were honored this year for outstanding achievements in academics, research, arts, and sports  -  a powerful testament to the growing success of inclusive education across Vietnam’s remote and mountainous areas.

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Leaders of the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs meet with outstanding ethnic minority students and youth, 2024.

The 2025 Ceremony to Honor Outstanding Ethnic Minority Students and Youth is organized by the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs, in coordination with the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front and the Ministry of Education and Training. VietNamNet is the lead media agency for the event, which takes place December 26–27 in Hanoi.

Now in its 12th year since launching in 2013, the program has reached its largest-ever ethnic representation, with honorees from 52 ethnic groups across 30 provinces and cities nationwide. This record diversity demonstrates the increasing reach and impact of educational development in ethnic minority communities.

Among the honorees are national and international award winners in academic competitions, science fairs, arts, and sports. Many have been admitted to top universities with high entrance scores.

Notably, 2025 marks the first year that valedictorians are formally included as a recognized category  -  broadening the scope of the celebration and acknowledging a wider range of exceptional accomplishments.

Compared to previous years, the 2025 cohort shows clear improvement in both the quantity and quality of achievements. The growing enthusiasm for learning, self-development, and community involvement among ethnic minority youth is contributing to a new generation of socially engaged and academically driven citizens.

These young individuals are living proof of the transformative power of education in ethnic minority and mountainous regions.

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The award ceremony serves as both recognition and a reflection of long-term investment in highland education.

According to the Ministry of Education and Training, Vietnam currently has 1,213 semi-boarding schools for ethnic minorities in 20 provinces, serving approximately 245,800 students; 316 full-boarding schools in 31 provinces with about 115,333 students; four university preparatory schools; and one high school with a preparatory program, collectively enrolling around 3,000 students each year.

Alongside growth in school infrastructure, the quality of education in ethnic regions has steadily improved. Over the past five years, average enrollment rates for ethnic minority children have reached near parity with national averages: 98% for 5-year-old preschoolers, 97.25% for primary school-aged children, 98.24% graduation rate at lower secondary, and 98.16% at upper secondary level.

These figures reflect the effectiveness of nationwide education policies and the critical role of long-term investment in building human capital in ethnic communities.

Thanks to this strong educational foundation, learning and achievement among ethnic minority students has become a growing movement, with each year’s honorees serving as an inspiration for peers across the country.

As a result, the awards ceremony is more than just a celebration of individual accomplishments  -  it is a symbol of the nation’s steadfast commitment to inclusive education and long-term sustainable development.

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Award recipients at the 2024 ceremony sign the Golden Book at the Temple of Literature.

Over the past 12 years, more than 2,000 ethnic minority students and youth have been honored. Many of them have returned to their hometowns after graduation to contribute to local development, particularly in health, education, and economic fields.

The 2025 ceremony reinforces the Vietnamese government’s unwavering policy focus on education as a tool for empowerment and equity  -  nurturing talent, igniting aspiration, and shaping a generation ready to contribute to a stronger and more inclusive future.

As part of the 2025 celebration, several meaningful activities will take place, including a student and youth forum themed “Digital stories from the villages,” a ceremonial tribute at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and a Golden Book signing at the Temple of Literature. The event will be broadcast live on VTV5 from the Ho Guom Theater.

Hong Phuc