Frustration arose among parents who were unable to attend the meeting, leading them to wait outside and demand a discussion with the school board, parent representatives, and the local ward authorities.
Parents Seek Clarification on Substandard Food Allegations
Around 7 PM on the same day, after a period of waiting, parents engaged in a discussion with Ms. Nguyễn Thái Quỳnh Nga, Principal of T.V. Elementary School, and Mr. Nguyễn Mậu Hà, Chairman of Xuân Hương Ward in Đà Lạt.
Notably, the discussion included Ms. T., who had posted allegations on social media about the school’s procurement of substandard food.
During the meeting, parents demanded that the school administration confirm whether Ms. T.’s allegations were true. They questioned whether the school was aware of the repeated procurement of substandard food, if such food had been served to students, and who would be held accountable if it had.
Whistleblower: “If I’m Lying, I’ll Take Responsibility”
Ms. Nga began by apologizing to parents for the incident. She confirmed that substandard food had indeed been procured but asserted that it had not been served to students.
“The issue occurred in the kitchen, but we ensured that students did not consume the substandard food,” Ms. Nga stated.
The principal assured that the matter was under investigation by authorities and promised to share official results with parents as soon as they were available.
Ms. Nguyễn Thái Quỳnh Nga, Principal of T.V. Elementary School, addresses parents on the evening of September 18.
Ms. T., a former kitchen staff member who posted the allegations, stood up to assert that the substandard food had been cooked and served to students, contrary to claims that it had been discarded.
“For the sake of conscience and ethics, I couldn’t remain silent. If my statements are false, I’ll take full responsibility before the law,” Ms. T. declared.
She added that she and other kitchen staff had filed a complaint with authorities on August 11, but no action had been taken to date.
Ms. T., the whistleblower who exposed the procurement of substandard food at T.V. Elementary School.
Regarding her departure from the school, Ms. T. claimed that the former kitchen team (those who filed the complaint) was unexpectedly dismissed. She explained that the team had sought a meeting to address the substandard food issue, but the principal initially refused. It was only after the team submitted a complaint to the Party Committee that a meeting was granted.
Ms. T. stated that on June 2, after presenting their concerns, teachers learned that they too had unknowingly consumed the substandard food.
Results of Investigation to Be Shared with Parents
Mr. Nguyễn Mậu Hà, Chairman of Xuân Hương Ward, explained that the evening meeting aimed to understand the concerns of teachers and parents regarding the incident.
He assured that the ward would thoroughly address the issue, ensuring fairness and accountability. Those found responsible would face consequences.
Parents seek clarification from the board of T.V. Elementary School.
Regarding the earlier complaint about substandard food, Mr. Hà confirmed that the ward had received it and invited the complainants for discussions. However, as the complaint was filed collectively, the ward requested a single representative to take responsibility for its accuracy.
After providing guidance, the ward invited the complainants again, asking for supporting documents. At that time, the complainants provided only photos, insufficient for a thorough investigation.
“Given the impact on student health and public concern, we forwarded the case to specialized agencies and law enforcement for further action,” Mr. Hà explained.
Mr. Nguyễn Mậu Hà, Chairman of Xuân Hương Ward in Đà Lạt.
Mr. Hà assured that the case was under active investigation, and once conclusions were reached, the ward would promptly inform parents.
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Multiple Allegations of Substandard Food at T.V. Elementary School As previously reported by Người Lao Động, social media posts alleged that T.V. Elementary School had procured substandard food, endangering student health. The allegations claimed that the supplier had consistently provided poor-quality food from late 2024 to April 2025. In the 2025-2026 academic year, the school has 1,700 students, including 700 boarding students. Following the allegations, many parents expressed concern, with some opting to take their children home rather than allow them to dine at school. The Lâm Đồng Provincial People’s Committee directed Xuân Hương Ward to collaborate with relevant agencies to investigate the allegations of substandard food procurement at T.V. Elementary School. |
