At 10pm on July 10 2016, many parents started to gather in front of Son Ca Kindergarten in Hiep Binh Chanh Ward, Thu Duc District, HCMC. They brought sleeping mats and folding lounge chairs to prepare for a long night waiting at the gate. Applications are open from 1.30pm, the next day. But apparently many parents were afraid of losing "the submission slot".
This year Son Ca Kindergarten plans to receive 55 children aged from 6 to 36 months, and 40 children for their 2013-born class. The deadline for application is July 14.
The school’s designated attendees are children from permanent and temporary households in Quarter 6, 7, 8 in Hiep Binh Chanh Ward.
“This is to guarantee a place for my kid to study a whole year, so it’s worth waiting for one night,” said a parent.
Ho Minh Hoang, a local resident seen sleeping outside, hoped to send his grand kid to the school for its education quality. He said although he was really tired at the moment, he wanted the best for his grand kid.
Minh, a parent said he preferred Son Ca Kindergarten because its fee, which is only over VND1.5mln/month/child ($67). “Private schools cost at least VND4mil per month. I have two kids, so I can save nearly VND6mil/months if they are accepted here,” shared Minh.