Innovative Finance
August 1, 2024
Context and Issue:
Before the program's implementation, access to full-day preschool education was very limited, especially for disadvantaged children. This lack of access hindered their early learning opportunities, leaving many ill-equipped for future academic success. The issue became more pressing when reports from the Ministry of Education revealed that a significant number of 5-year-old children were not prepared for primary school, highlighting a critical gap in school readiness that required immediate attention.
Solution:
In 2013, SRPP in Vietnam was implemented, supported by the World Bank. Over the course of four years, the project aimed to improve preschool education quality and access across the country. Activities included, lunch subsidies for disadvantaged children, teacher training, play-based approach and introducing self-assessments for the first time. The project was implemented in 63 provinces. By its conclusion in 2017, SRPP had achieved significant results in increasing enrollment in full-day preschool programs, enhancing the quality of early childhood education
Impact:
By the end of the project, enrollment in full-day preschool programs increased significantly throughout Vietnam. A staggering 96% of preschools completed a self-assessment process by January 2019, demonstrating broad support for the program's goals. Notably, all 63 provinces exceeded their initial goals and provided universal preschool access for children aged five. As a result of improvements in quality standards, 41% of preschools had achieved level 1 accreditation by the end of the project. Additionally, almost all teachers (93%) and preschool supervisors (99%) finished the priority training modules, and they gave great feedback on how interactive and useful the training material was.