Vietnam Teachers' Day (November 20): Origin and Meaning
Vietnam Teachers' Day, celebrated annually on November 20, has long been regarded as the day of "respecting teachers and honoring education" in Vietnamese culture. This is an occasion for generations of students to express gratitude to their teachers and for the entire education sector to celebrate.
International Origins
The Founding of FISE
In January 1946, an international organization of progressive teachers was established in Paris, France, named FISE (Féderation International Syndicale des Enseignants, or the International Federation of Teachers' Unions). This organization brought together teachers' unions worldwide to advocate for teachers' legitimate rights and build a progressive education system.
The 1949 Teachers' Charter
In 1949, at the international conference in Warsaw, Poland, FISE drafted a "Teachers' Charter" consisting of 15 chapters. Its main content focused on fighting against bourgeois and feudal education, building progressive education, and protecting the legitimate material and spiritual rights of the teaching profession and teachers.
The Decision for November 20
From August 26 to 30, 1957, at the FISE conference in Warsaw, with 57 countries participating, including the Vietnam Education Union, it was decided to designate November 20 as International Teachers' Charter Day.
Adoption and Official Recognition in Vietnam
Vietnam Education Union Joins FISE
The Vietnam Education Union was established on July 22, 1951. Shortly after its founding, it was admitted as a member of FISE. In the spring of 1953, a Vietnamese delegation led by Deputy Minister of National Education Nguyen Khanh Toan attended an important conference in Vienna, Austria, to admit several countries' education unions to FISE, including the Vietnam Education Union.
During the resistance war against French colonialism, the Vietnam Education Union contacted FISE to leverage international forums, denounce the imperialists' crimes against the Vietnamese people, teachers, and students, and introduce the achievements of the revolutionary education system.
First Celebration in Vietnam
The first "International Teachers' Charter Day" was organized throughout North Vietnam on November 20, 1958. In subsequent years, the event was also held in liberated zones in South Vietnam. Annual commemorations often included special publications to encourage teachers' fighting spirit.
Decision 167/HDBT in 1982
At the request of the education sector, on September 28, 1982, the Council of Ministers (now the Government) issued Decision No. 167/HDBT on Vietnam Teachers' Day, stipulating November 20 as Vietnam Teachers' Day. On November 20, 1982, the first official celebration was held nationwide. Since then, it has become the traditional day of the education sector to honor those in the teaching profession.
Meaning of Vietnam Teachers' Day
Honoring the Teaching Profession
November 20 is an occasion for students to express deep gratitude to their teachers. It is also a day for all sectors and society to share joy and appreciation for those who have contributed their efforts and dedication to the noble cause of education.
Traditional Activities of the Education Sector
On November 20, students nationwide often give flowers and gifts to their teachers. The education sector also uses this occasion to review its activities and set directions for improving education quality.
Cultural and Spiritual Value
Vietnam Teachers' Day has become deeply embedded in the cultural and spiritual life of Vietnamese people. It is an opportunity for society to reflect on and appreciate the role of teachers in educating future generations.
Conclusion
Vietnam Teachers' Day on November 20 originated from the international progressive teachers' movement, was adopted in Vietnam in 1958, and officially recognized by Decision 167/HDBT in 1982. After more than 40 years of official recognition, the day retains its sacred meaning: honoring the teaching profession and showing gratitude to teachers who have dedicated themselves to education.
