Policies

VIETNAM: QUALITY IMPROVEMENT OF PRIMARY EDUCATION FOR DEAF CHILDREN PROJECT

Context

In Vietnam, integrating deaf children into mainstream and special education systems requires substantial support and resources. To address this challenge, a project was initiated with the goal of involving parents, caregivers, teachers, deaf mentors, and the broader community. The primary aim of this initiative is to enhance access to primary education for deaf students through the use of Vietnamese Sign Language (VSL) and to train educators in effectively using VSL for teaching mathematics and Vietnamese.

Solution

The project set out to achieve two main objectives. First, it aimed to increase the proportion of deaf students accessing primary education through VSL. Second, it focused on training 500 primary school teachers and teaching assistants to use VSL for teaching core subjects such as mathematics and Vietnamese. This dual approach ensures that deaf students receive quality education while educators are equipped with the necessary skills to support their learning needs.

Impact

The project has shown significant progress with several key outcomes. All planned training and learning materials were successfully produced and put into use. Additionally, 4,000 new VSL signs were developed and taught in project schools. The training program reached 384 teachers, 100 teaching assistants, 401 deaf adults, and 1,518 parents and caregivers. Furthermore, 1,694 deaf students from 183 selected schools in 20 provinces and 2 special education centers participated in the project during the 2020-2021 school year. Impressively, 1,650 (97.4%) of these students passed their first-semester learning exam with satisfactory results.

By equipping educators with VSL skills and involving the community, the project has significantly improved educational outcomes for deaf students, facilitating their integration into both mainstream and special education systems.

Analysis

By addressing barriers to education through targeted interventions and capacity building, the project has made substantial strides toward inclusivity and equity in Vietnam's education system. The emphasis on VSL integration and comprehensive training reflects a sustainable approach to enhancing educational access and quality for deaf students. Moving forward, continued support and replication of this model can further advance inclusive education practices and empower marginalized communities across the country