Education and Role of Religions in History of Education in Vietnam

Tóm tắt

The ongoing debate over the current situation of education in Vietnam tends to argue that the present educational system with its vague goals has lost the orientation and is lack of “a guiding philosophy of education”. The authors of this paper join the discussion by indicating a historical perspective of the role of religions in the educational development in Vietnam. They deem that major religions such as Buddhism and Confucianism used to play a role as the core and foundation for the national education system. The French did impart a European-style educational system attached closely to the Christian ethics, while still respecting the traditional education. The authors, while affirming the importance of building a secular state, suggest that the re-engagement of religions will be significant in mobilising all social resources for the development of education, taking advantage of the resources and fine ethical values of religions.