To counteract the legacy of 80 years of colonial rule in North Viet Nam, President Ho Chi Minh outlined government objectives in the Declaration of Independence in 1945. Major objectives included combatting ignorance and illiteracy. To work toward these objectives, the government established a Department of Popular Education and encouraged volunteers to teach literacy courses in private homes, market places, and other available locales. Although literacy progress was slowed by war until 1955, a fresh post-war literacy drive succeeded in eliminating most illiteracy by 1958. Key success factors included commitment by the Communist Party and the government, a high degree of acceptance by people of all ages, and enthusiasm among volunteers. In addition to literacy courses, basic education programs (complementary education) were offered to youth, white collar workers, laborers, and adults. Course topics included modern technology, working with modern equipment, labor productivity, human development, and national history. Schools are now organized at workplaces and at separate institutions where students board and are paid wages. Objectives for complementary education in the near future include wiping out illiteracy in remote mountain regions, offering basic education to all workers, raising cultural standards, and encouraging continuing education for dropouts. (Author/DB)