Three years after its launch, the national credit assistance program for students has helped over two million students to continue their studies.

At an online conference to review three years of the program, it was revealed that more than VND26 trillion (US$1.3 billion) had been distributed as loan to poor students.

The Vietnam Bank for Social Policies said that most of the students receiving loans were from disadvantaged backgrounds and in genuine need of assistance. That had all used the fund effectively and correctly.

This year, the bank will partner with the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Education and Training to discuss the possibility of other banks, including commercial banks, to join the program.

By the end of May, the Ministry of Education and Training will launch the availability of low-priced computers for students.

Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Thien Nhan asked secondary and high schools management to popularize the program and introduce it to grade 9 and 12 year students as well. This aims to encourage those from disadvantaged backgrounds to avail of the opportunity to study in higher classes.

He also laid emphasis on universities and colleges to assign staff members to update information about the policy and keep students informed.

Source: SGGP