VGP – More than 22.3 million pupils across Viet Nam attended opening ceremonies of the new school year 2019-2020 on Thursday morning. 

 The opening ceremonies were shorter compared to those of the previous years, beginning with saluting the national flag, singing the national anthem, reading the State President’s letter, beating drum and series of art performances.

This year, Ha Noi has around 2 million pupils, while Ho Chi Minh City has 1.7 million pupils, up 40,000 and 75,400, respectively, from the previous year, according to the Ministry of Education and Training.

Balloon release is not encouraged this year in the capital of Ha Noi as part of the effort to protect the environment.

New academic year often starts on September 5 but heavy rains and flooding forced 173 schools in Quang Tri province to delay the opening ceremonies.

The similar situation occurred at a number of schools in the mountainous areas of Ha Tinh, Nghe An, and Quang Binh provinces, reported the Viet Nam News Agency./.