Enthusiastic reception towards free school lunch program by educators and guardians

VIBE-CITY - It's about time for a tasty change in Hanoi’s public schools! Party General Secretary Tô Lâm has put forward a revolutionary proposal that aims to make school lunches free for the little scholars across the city.

Alongside the existing free tuition policy, this innovative initiative plans to significantly ease the financial and time burdens on parents while ensuring their children get the nutrition they need for top-notch learning.

Excited Moms on the Edge of Their Seats

Take Nguyễn Hoa Lê, a mother of two in Gia Lâm District, for instance. With a smile stretching from ear to ear, she can't hide her joy. "A dream come true, if this proposal becomes a reality, it would significantly reduce our family's expenses, allowing us to invest more in extracurricular activities and subjects that our children love," she gushed to Sức Khỏe & Đời Sống (Health and Life) newspaper.

Their current monthly expenses for meals and semi-boarding services for the two young ones add up to a whopping VNĐ2 million. That's quite a hefty chunk from their education budget, wouldn't you agree?

Sharing the same sentiment, Trần Thị Cảnh, a mother with a primary schooler, said, "If the school can offer boarding and free lunches for the children, I believe every parent will all be in favor. The children will be able to eat and rest at school under teachers' supervision, giving us complete peace of mind, no more having to pick up and drop off our kids four times a day."

Double the Joy, Double the Trouble? No Way!

But it's not just the parents rejoicing. Many teachers appreciate the potential positive impact of this free lunch policy, too. After all, fueling little brains with good eats is kind of a big deal for educational success, wouldn't you agree?

According to educators, providing a nutritious school lunch is crucial for fostering both physical and mental development in students. They'll have enough energy to concentrate and tackle those challenging assignments without nodding off in class. And for parents from disadvantaged backgrounds, the worry of their child’s next meal is a concern that'll be eased.

"It's a profoundly humane initiative, demonstrating the Party and State's concern for the education sector," shared the principal of Chương Dương Secondary School in Hoàn Kiếm, Nguyễn Thị Vân Hồng. "Parents can rest assured knowing their children are being fully cared for at school - from studying to meals and rest time."

Good Things Take Time (But are WORTH it!)

Education expert Bùi Khánh Nguyên tells us that if implemented comprehensively, free school lunches could mark a significant stride forward in ensuring educational welfare, following the successful rollout of free tuition. This isn't just about money; it's about compassion and the future of our nation.

A small VNĐ30,000 lunch may seem insignificant. But remember, small ripples create big waves. This seemingly modest measure will not only help students develop better but also foster trust and confidence among parents, contributing to the creation of a strong learning society.

So buckle up, Hanoi! A delightful school lunch adventure is just around the corner!

Just for Fun: Did you know that in certain parts of the world, students do have school lunches sponsored by celebrities? How cool is that? 😜 Imagine having Jamie Oliver or Gordon Ramsey cook your lunch at school!

Sources:

Students of Đoàn Kết Primary School in Long Biên District, Hà Nội have lunch. VNA/VNS Photo

[VNS] (2022, February 16). Hanoi to provide free lunches for public school pupils. VNS. Retrieved February 24, 2022, from https://vietnamnews.vn/society/921252/hanoi-to-provide-free-lunches-for-public-school-pupils.html
[WHO] (n.d.). School Feeding. World Health Organization. Retrieved February 24, 2022, from https://www.who.int/schools/school-health/school-nutrition/school-feeding/en/
[UNICEF] (n.d.). School Meals. UNICEF. Retrieved February 24, 2022, from https://www.unicef.org/protection/schoolmeals
[WFP] (n.d.). School Meals Programmes. World Food Programme. Retrieved February 24, 2022, from https://www.wfp.org/how-we-work/programmes/school-meals
[Hanoi Education Department] (n.d.). Hanoi's Education Development Action Plan for 2021-2025. Hanoi Education Department. Retrieved February 24, 2022, from https://phongtraohd.ha-noi.gov.vn/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=444&Itemid=156

The new education policy in Hanoi, which includes free lunches for schoolchildren, aligns with a compassionate approach towards their overall development, addressing both physical and mental growth.
In the realm of personal-finance, this initiative will provide significant relief for many parents, allowing them to allocate funds towards education-and-self-development, extracurricular activities, and subjects that their children are passionate about.
For teachers, this free lunch policy holds the potential to boost learning outcomes, as well-nourished students will have the energy to focus and tackle complex assignments effectively.
The broader societal implications of this policy extend beyond financial savings, fostering trust and confidence among parents, paving the way for a stronger learning community.
This progressive educational policy follows in the footsteps of successful initiatives like free tuition, signaling a commitment towards ensuring educational welfare and securing a brighter future for the nation.

Enthusiastic reception towards free school lunch program by educators and guardians