Vietnam Ministry of Education mandates height-appropriate school furniture

The Vietnamese Ministry of Education and Training has issued guidance for schools to review and adjust student desks and chairs to match varying physical heights. This directive follows reports that many educational institutions use a single size for all students, often utilizing furniture that is over 20 years old.

Data from 35 provinces indicates that nearly 125,000 students are now taller than 1.75 meters, a group not currently covered by existing standards in Circular 26. Parents have expressed concerns that inadequate furniture sizes may lead to spinal issues and physical development problems for growing children.

To address this, the Ministry has instructed local departments to conduct height assessments at the start of each school year. Schools are expected to follow a six-step process: reviewing existing furniture, coding items according to standards, measuring student heights, arranging furniture based on height and classroom space, identifying needs for repair or replacement, and finally executing procurement or repairs. For students exceeding 1.75 meters, local authorities will coordinate with science, technology, and health departments to determine appropriate dimensions.