Central Highlands provinces have prioritised investment in education forethnic minority groups, contributing to fostering socio-economicdevelopment in the region, according to the Central Highlands SteeringCommittee.

After national liberation in 1975, thelocalities have seen a significant increase in the number of academicfacilities thanks to regional investment in education.

Asmany as 3,423 schools and 49,244 classes have been built to meet publicdemand. To date, most communes in the region have their ownkindergartens, primary schools and secondary schools.

For the 2014-2015 academic year, Dak Lak province is offering classes at 987 schools, a sixfold increase from 1975.

TheCentral Highlands built 57 ethnic group boarding schools and 86semi-boarding schools o accommodate students from remote areas.

Universities and colleges also expanded in both scale and specialitiesto meet the regional demands for human resources. The provinces alsoassigned 2,034 ethnic students to pursue their studies in other collegesand universities nationwide to foster high quality labour serving thesocio-economic development in the region.

Ethnic languageteaching programmes are also being promoted; Dak Lak province isteaching Ede in 86 primary schools and 12 boarding schools and Dak Nonghas given Ede, M’nong and Ma lessons to teachers in ethnic minorityregions.

The provinces have carried out policies benefitingethnic minority students, including the provisions of books, learningsupplies, tuition fees, exam fees, transport fees and health insurance.

The Central Highlands comprise five provinces of Lam Dong, Gia Lai, Dak Lak, Dak Nong and Kon Tum.-VNA