As Hanoi aspires to join the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities (GNLC) by 2025, this initiative serves as a strategic pillar in fostering lifelong learning, advancing global integration, and strengthening Hanoi’s position as a dynamic learning city.
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| The delegates launched Foreign language self-study month. |
Empowering language skills for global competitiveness
On February 20, the Hanoi Department of Education and Training (DOET) officially launched Foreign Language Self-Study Month 2025, an initiative designed to embed lifelong learning into the city’s educational framework. The event saw the participation of Deputy Minister of Education and Training Pham Ngoc Thuong, Director of Hanoi DOET Tran The Cuong, and over 7,000 teachers and students across 500 locations citywide.
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| Deputy Minister of Education and Training Pham Ngoc Thuong presented books to foster a spirit of lifelong learning among Hanoi students. |
Speaking at the event, Director Tran The Cuong emphasized that foreign language self-study month is a transformational initiative aimed at enhancing foreign language proficiency at all educational levels, gradually establishing English as the second language in Hanoi’s schools. More importantly, the initiative seeks to narrow the gap in language education between urban and rural schools, reinforcing Hanoi’s commitment to education equity - a core pillar of UNESCO’s learning city framework.
Since its launch on January 9, the initiative has witnessed overwhelming participation. On the FSEL online learning platform, more than 700,000 participants have registered, including over 593,000 students and nearly 21,000 teachers. Among them, 615,000 accounts have been verified, reaching 100% of the target registrations, with over 515,000 actively engaging in English proficiency assessments.
A catalyst for lifelong learning beyond the classroom
Foreign language self-study month has transcended traditional classroom learning, creating a city-wide movement of self-improvement and educational engagement.
Beyond students, educators and school leaders have actively embraced the initiative, with many principals and teachers voluntarily participating in proficiency tests and committing to personal study goals. By learning alongside their students, teachers are setting an example of lifelong learning, reinforcing the message that education is a continuous process rather than a destination.
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| Director of the Hanoi Department of Education and Training Tran The Cuong, delivered a speech at the conference. |
2018 Miss Vietnam Do My Linh, a participant in the program, shared her insights:
"This initiative has created a profound ripple effect, extending beyond schools to local communities and learning centers. Language learning should be seen as an exciting journey - each new word and phrase unlocks opportunities, allowing us to connect with the world with greater confidence".
Importantly, the impact of foreign language self-study month is not limited to a one-month campaign. By encouraging learners to develop long-term self-study habits, the initiative empowers individuals to take control of their education, fostering a lifelong learning mindset - a critical criterion in Hanoi’s pursuit of UNESCO learning city status.
Transforming Hanoi into a UNESCO learning city
Hanoi’s ambition to join the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities (GNLC) is anchored in a vision of inclusive, equitable, and sustainable education. To achieve this, the city must demonstrate a strong commitment to lifelong learning across all sectors-from formal education institutions to community learning initiatives and digital platforms.
Foreign language self-study month serves as a prime example of Hanoi’s innovative approach to building a holistic and inclusive learning environment, aligning with key UNESCO learning city indicators.
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| 2018 Miss Vietnam Do My Linh shared her insights about the initiative. |
Deputy Minister Pham Ngoc Thuong praised the initiative as a scalable model that can be expanded to other cities and provinces, reinforcing Vietnam’s commitment to fostering a nationwide learning society. He noted that embracing lifelong learning is essential to maintaining Vietnam’s competitive edge in an increasingly globalized world.
A future-ready learning city
With clear strategic direction, strong government support, and widespread community engagement, Hanoi is steadily progressing toward becoming a UNESCO Learning City. By integrating lifelong learning principles into policy and practice, Hanoi is establishing itself as a forward-thinking, inclusive, and globally connected city.
Foreign language self-study month is not just an educational campaign - it is a defining moment in Hanoi’s journey toward sustainable education reform. It showcases the city’s dedication to creating accessible, high-quality learning opportunities for all, ensuring that Hanoi is not only ready to join the GNLC in 2025 but also prepared to thrive in the evolving global knowledge economy.