Cà Mau province has announced a significant initiative to provide free textbooks for primary school students, set to begin in the 2026-2027 academic year. This decision was approved during the fifth session of the Cà Mau Provincial People's Council on August 17.

The policy will apply to all students enrolled in educational institutions, both public and private, who are following the national educational programs set by the Ministry of Education and Training. Under this initiative, students will be able to borrow a complete set of textbooks for all subjects as determined by the Minister of Education, ensuring that every child has access to essential learning materials.

The implementation of this policy will occur in phases: starting with primary school students in 2026-2027, followed by junior high school students in 2027-2028, and high school students in 2028-2029. The total estimated budget for the implementation from 2026 to 2029 is approximately 93 billion VND. For the 2026-2027 academic year alone, the budget for primary education is projected to exceed 28.9 billion VND, benefiting around 157,664 students.

According to the Cà Mau Department of Education and Training, the cost of purchasing textbooks is a significant expense for most families with children in school. The free textbook policy is expected to provide substantial support to residents, especially those from low-income households, ensuring that all students can access necessary educational resources.

The provincial government of Cà Mau recognizes the humanitarian significance of this initiative, particularly in light of the implementation of Resolution No. 71-NQ/TW from the Politburo, which focuses on breakthroughs in educational development. Statistics show that in the 2026-2027 academic year, Cà Mau will have over 345,200 students in general education, including approximately 157,664 in primary school, 125,600 in junior high school, and 59,900 in high school.

If the support for textbooks is provided uniformly across all educational levels, the annual budget would exceed 93 billion VND. However, the province has opted for a phased approach, beginning with primary education and gradually increasing funding for junior high and high school in subsequent years.