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| Lao and Cambodian students with Vietnamese families participating in a cultural exchange event (Photo: VNA) |
On November 2-3, in Binh Thuan, the Ho Chi Minh City Federation of Labor, in collaboration with the City Women's Union, organized a cultural exchange event connecting Vietnamese families with Lao and Cambodian students studying in the city.
This annual activity strengthens friendship and fosters a comprehensive and sustainable relationship between Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. Phung Thai Quang, Vice President of the Ho Chi Minh City Federation of Labor, highlighted the friendship between these three countries, rooted in the challenging times when all three nations fought for independence and freedom. This enduring bond symbolizes solidarity, shared support and unwavering loyalty. In the new era, this friendship continues to be passed down across generations, especially through the "Vietnamese families with Lao and Cambodian students" program.
Beyond providing material and emotional support, this program is a solid bridge, helping these students feel the closeness and affection of Vietnamese foster parents. In these homes, Lao and Cambodian students experience empathy and a sense of belonging, feeling like children of the house and part of a larger family of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. The values this program creates go beyond family ties, spreading a strong message of international solidarity and friendship without borders, Mr. Quang emphasized.
He expressed his hope that Lao and Cambodian students will carry with them warm memories and the genuine affection they received from Vietnamese families, who always welcome them with open arms. These will be precious memories that future generations of students can build upon to nurture the friendship between nations, telling beautiful stories of friendship, solidarity and mutual support between Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia.
In this program, nearly 160 Lao and Cambodian students had the chance to visit scenic spots and historical sites, and engage in cultural exchanges with their Vietnamese families and friends.
Since arriving in Vietnam in 2019, Xaiyavong Duangmany, a fourth-year student at Nguyen Tat Thanh University, has become accustomed to life in this country. Especially with the presence of his foster mother Nguyen Thi Hang and her family in District 4, Ho Chi Minh City, Duangmany has overcome homesickness, finding comfort and motivation from them to face challenges.
“We not only learn academic knowledge at school but also learn about daily life, customs and traditions in each Vietnamese family. This has given us confidence and strength as we approach graduation. Vietnam will always be our second home, and our Vietnamese families are our beloved second families,” Duangmany shared.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Hang’s family, which has hosted the most Lao students (six), has a close mother-child bond without any distance or hesitation. Whenever they have free time, her foster children help in the kitchen, cook Vietnamese dishes and engage in local life. The family encourages them to participate in all activities, from family trips to local community events, like cleaning up, sports competitions and cooking contests for Vietnamese Family Day.
As part of the program, Lao and Cambodian students and their Vietnamese families visited and offered flowers and incense in tribute to President Ho Chi Minh at the Ho Chi Minh Museum’s Binh Thuan Branch. They also visited the Duc Thanh School, where President Ho Chi Minh once taught before going abroad to seek a way to save his country.
The program included a range of cultural exchanges, a competition to learn about the life and career of President Ho Chi Minh, and sessions on the history and cultural ties between Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia./.