Images circulating on social media recently depicted parents enduring overnight queues to enroll their children for first grade in the northern province of Phu Tho. This phenomenon, reminiscent of a similar occurrence in Hanoi last year.

Despite the announcement of first-grade application forms by Giay Bai Bang Primary School at 7 a.m. on June 10, the eagerness of parents led to a preemptive queue formation from the night of June 9. Armed with mats, chairs, and sustenance, parents patiently awaited the opportunity for their children to secure a coveted spot at the esteemed institution.

Ms. H., one of the parents who queued overnight, expressed her rationale: proximity to the school and its reputed educational standards propelled her to join the early queue. As midnight approached, the queue swelled to hundreds, with parents equipped for an extended wait, she said.

Another parent highlighted the scarcity of primary school options in Phong Chau town, exacerbating the competition for admission spots. With only two primary schools, Phu Lo and Bai Bang Paper, serving the locality, demand far outstrips available positions, prompting parents to prioritize early registration.

By 7 a.m. on June 10, the queue stretched over a kilometer. Within 30 minutes of the application window opening, Bai Bang Paper Primary School had received all requisite applications, reflecting the overwhelming demand for enrollment.

The Department of Education and Training of Phu Ninh district clarified the enrollment criteria, allocating spots for both local and non-local students to ensure equitable access. However, the spectacle of overnight queues prompted assurances from authorities regarding future enrollment procedures, with a commitment to streamline the process and alleviate parental burdens.

Mr. Nguyen Van Manh, Director of the Department of Education and Training of Phu Tho province, confirmed the department's awareness of the situation, promising a comprehensive review and remedial actions to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

As the community reflects on the challenges of securing primary education placements, authorities pledge to implement measures to foster fair and efficient enrollment processes, ensuring every child has equitable access to quality education.

Hoang Thanh