The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Education and Training on Tuesday pledged to address the learning needs of students at the American International School Vietnam (AISVN) in Nha Be District, following a two-day closure due to a teachers’ strike over unpaid salaries and insurance.

If parents wish to transfer their children to other schools, the department will recommend other international schools with similar programs, as well as suitable private schools, according to Ho Tan Minh, chief of office for the department. 

“For 11th and 12th graders facing challenges in changing schools, the department will provide support to ensure continuity in their education,” the official stated.

Minh was responding to parents’ complaints regarding the continuity of disrupted attendance for students at AISVN.

Earlier on Tuesday, despite AISVN’s announcement of class resumption, many teachers remained absent, after their strike prompted the school to require all students to take a temporary break the previous day. 

Some parents reported sending their children to school, only to have them sitting in the cafeteria due to the continued absence of teachers.

Others mentioned that the school buses were not operating, so they had to take their children to school by themselves.

Minh said that in the immediate future, the department will prioritize addressing the learning needs of AISVN students.

On Monday, AISVN suspended classes as teachers did not show up.

The school cited significant financial challenges, including outstanding salaries and insurance payments for teachers and staff.

“After the abrupt suspension of students from AISVN, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Education and Training invited Nguyen Thi Ut Em, chairwoman of the school board, to a meeting,” Minh said.

“However, on Tuesday afternoon, Em only sent a representative.

“Late on Tuesday afternoon, the department dispatched a delegation of officials directly to AISVN for discussions.”

In September 2023, numerous parents demanded AISVN settle its debt, which constitutes the ‘educational investment’ outlined in the school’s contracts signed with the parents.

As per their agreement, parents lent funds to the school without interest on the condition that the investments would be reimbursed after five to 15 years of their children's attendance at the school.

In return, AISVN offers free training programs to the students.

However, despite the students graduating, the school has not yet repaid the borrowed funds.

Minh stated on Tuesday that the matters concerning the transaction, contract, and investment between parents and the school fall outside the jurisdiction of the department.

Headquartered at 220 Nguyen Van Tao Street in Nha Be District, Ho Chi Minh City, AISVN was established in 2006, according to the school’s website. 

It claims to teach the International Baccalaureate program to more than 1,200 students ranging from three years old to grade 12 currently.

The tuition fees for the 2023-24 school year range from VND280 million (US$11,306) to VND725 million ($29,275), exclusive of various other expenses.

Vietnam’s per capita GDP in 2023 was $4,284, according to the Ministry of Planning and Investment.

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