Education in ethnic minority areas in the current period: Opportunities, challenges, and solutions for sustainable development

Abstract

The article underscores the pivotal role of education in ethnic minority (EM) regions within Vietnam’s sustainable development strategy, particularly amid global integration and the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The research aims to analyze opportunities and challenges, proposing solutions to enhance educational quality, reduce developmental disparities, and preserve indigenous cultures. Employing a multidimensional approach, the study synthesizes and compares data from reports by the Ministry of Education and Training, the World Bank, UNESCO, and domestic research. Case studies and policy impact assessments are utilized to elucidate the current state and guide solution-oriented strategies. Findings reveal significant progress over the past three decades, including expanded school networks, increased literacy rates, universalization of primary and lower secondary education, and greater access for EM students to higher education levels. Key opportunities include robust state policies, improved infrastructure, development of local ethnic teachers, promotion of bilingual education, and digital technology integration. Nevertheless, challenges persist, such as socio-economic hardships, inadequate school facilities, linguistic barriers, cultural disparities, and uneven educational quality. The article proposes solutions such as sustained infrastructure investment, community empowerment, enhanced teacher capacity, expanded bilingual education, strengthened career guidance, and rigorous policy monitoring. These measures aim to ensure high-quality, culturally relevant education for EM regions, contributing to sustainable development and social equity.