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Son La, Viet Nam
Son La is the capital city of Son La Province in north-western Viet Nam.
groups
City population
114,025
person
Member since
2024
Mayor
Chairman of the People's Committee of Son La City Mr Van Tru Do
Vision
Son La aims to be a lifelong learning hub with a focus on increasing the quality of education, improving literacy and embracing digital technology. Medium to long-term goals include implementing community-based learning models and fostering public-private partnerships. The city’s priorities as part of UNESCO GNLC include gaining international recognition and enhancing community health literacy. The city also seeks to be a leading educational centre in Viet Nam’s north-western region.
Policies, plan and implementation
Sustainability and health
Son La is weaving sustainability and health into its lifelong learning agenda through strategic partnerships between its education and health care sectors. The city’s 12 community learning centres have organized classes educating over 3,300 individuals on vital topics such as disease prevention, drug abuse and sustainable living.
Equity and inclusion
Son La is implementing policies that benefit economically and socially disadvantaged groups. These policies include tuition fee reductions and exemptions. The city offers 15 classes in the Thai language, has diverse leadership and is working to ensure that all children with disabilities have access to education.
Decent work and entrepreneurship
The city has conducted vocational and technical training classes, benefiting over 2,900 individuals, including ethnic minority workers. It has attracted investors to create employment opportunities and specifically targets vulnerable labour groups. Additionally, the city promotes an entrepreneurial spirit among its students through competitions and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics) activities, aiming to provide sustainable employment and create jobs.
Good practices
Building a Learning Society Project Phase (2021–2030)
This programme aims to revolutionize education by 2030, offering all residents equal access to a modern, diverse and flexible education system. Various training models and methods will be used, contributing to comprehensive human resource development.
Building a Lifelong Learning Citizen Model (Phase 2021–2030)
This programme promotes lifelong learning for all. It seeks to optimize individual creativity and instil a love for family and country. The focus is on creating equal learning opportunities in various societal settings, aiming to develop digital citizens and build a learning society.