Over 1 million computers worth 2.5 trillion VND (over 109.6 million USD) and 3 trillion VND (over 131.5 million USD) to provide mobile services are presented to the progamme. (Photo: VNA)

As of September 12, online teaching and learning has been deployed in 26 out of 63 provinces and cities across the country, according to the Ministry of Education and Training. The estimated number of students studying online is more than 7.3 million. 1.5 million of them do not own a computer.

In his address, PM Chinh said the Government wants schools to open safely, so computers and internet access should be provided to students in remote and disadvantaged regions who might not have them. 

Prime Minister Chinh said: ''The program is very important during this pandemic. I believe it will spread a positive attitude throughout the community, and will help schoolchildren in remote, border, and island areas and in disadvantaged circumstances enjoy the opportunities the Party and State have made widely available to the Vietnamese people.'

Under the program, internet access and quality will be improved to support educational use. Minister of Information and Communications Nguyen Manh Hung said the internet will be expanded to 283 places with no mobile internet connection in localities that have imposed social distancing regulations, and to 1,910 other places nationwide, and internet fees will be waived for online learning in Vietnam. 

'Network providers have promised to waive internet fees for online learning under this program. Many poor children do not have a computer. A tablet for online learning costs at least 2 or 3 million VND, which is unaffordable for poor households. In the first phase, the program will raise donations to buy 1 million computers. Even an old secondhand tablet can give a child access to online learning,' said Minister Hung.