Every year on November 20th, it has long been celebrated as “Teachers’ Day.” However, the origins of Vietnam’s Teachers’ Day may not be known to everyone.
On November 20th, generations of students across the country typically give flowers and gifts to congratulate their teachers. The education sector also takes this opportunity to evaluate educational activities and set goals for improving the quality of education.
The Origin of Vietnam’s Teachers’ Charter Day
In January 1946, an international organization of progressive educators was established in Paris, France, named FISE (Fédération Internationale Syndicale des Enseignants – International Federation of Teacher Unions).
In 1949, at the international conference in Warsaw, Poland, FISE developed a “Charter of Teachers” consisting of 15 chapters.
The first “International Teachers’ Charter Day” was celebrated across Northern Vietnam on November 20, 1958.
The main content focused on fighting against the bourgeois and feudal education systems; building a progressive education system; and protecting the legitimate material and spiritual rights of teachers and the teaching profession.
During the resistance against French colonialism, the Vietnam Education Union contacted FISE to take advantage of international forums to denounce the crimes of the imperialists against our people, as well as against teachers and students.
At the same time, it introduced the achievements of the revolutionary education system, garnering support from teachers worldwide for the just resistance of our people.
In the spring of 1953, a Vietnamese delegation led by Deputy Minister of National Education Nguyen Khanh Toan attended an important conference to admit education unions from several countries into FISE in Vienna, Austria, including the Vietnam Education Union.
Shortly after its establishment (July 22, 1951), the Vietnam Education Union was accepted as a member of FISE.
From August 26 to 30, 1957, in Warsaw, the FISE conference, attended by 57 countries, including the Vietnam Education Union, decided to establish November 20th as International Teachers’ Charter Day.
The first “International Teachers’ Charter Day” was celebrated across Northern Vietnam on November 20, 1958.
In the following years, the November 20th celebration was also held in liberated areas in the south.
Every year, to commemorate the historical significance of November 20th, the education subcommittee often publishes special issues to encourage the fighting spirit of teachers in occupied areas specifically and to motivate the resilience of teachers in the resistance in general.
At the proposal of the education sector, on September 28, 1982, the Council of Ministers (now the Government) issued Decision No. 167 – HĐBT designating November 20th as Vietnam’s Teachers’ Day.
November 20th is an occasion for generations of students to express their deep gratitude to their teachers.
On November 20, 1982, the first official celebration of Vietnam’s Teachers’ Day took place solemnly throughout the country.
The Significance of Vietnam’s Teachers’ Day on November 20
Vietnam’s Teachers’ Day is an annual commemoration held on November 20th in Vietnam. This is a festive day for the education sector and a day to honor teachers, aiming to recognize the contributions of those in this field.
November 20th is an opportunity for generations of students to express their profound gratitude to their teachers, for all sectors and society as a whole to share joy and appreciation with those who have dedicated their efforts and passion to the noble cause of education, contributing to building a prosperous and happy nation.
Vietnam’s Teachers’ Day in 2024 falls on Wednesday, November 20, 2024.
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