The Vietnam Summer Camp 2023, which brought together outstanding young overseas Vietnamese people from many countries and territories around the world, wrapped up with a ceremony in the central city of Da Nang on August 1.

The ceremony was jointly held by the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and relevant agencies.

'Definitely see each other again on the road ahead'

Speaking at the closing of the Vietnam Summer Camp 2023, Ho Ky Minh, Vice Chairman of Da Nang City People's Committee expressed his pleasure to welcome 120 overseas Vietnamese youth delegates from 26 countries around the world to come to the city.

“In the coming time, Da Nang will closely coordinate with the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs, the Foreign Ministry and other ministries and sectors to actively support activities to preserve the Vietnamese language, promote national cultural identity and promote national cultural identity, creating conditions for generations of expatriates to bond and join hands for the development of the country in the spirit of Conclusion No. 12-KL/TW dated 12/8/2021 of the Politburo on the work of foreign workers," Vice Chairman confirmed.

First held in 2004, the camp has brought thousands of outstanding OV youths aged between 16-24 to visit their motherland.

In her remarks, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang, who is also chairwoman of the committee, stressed that the summer camp, in its 18th edition, has promoted the role of OV youths in national development.

Through the camp, they had chances to visit historical relic sites, pay tribute to national ancestors and national heroes, and engage in exchanges with their peers at home, she added.

This year’s event gathered 120 outstanding Vietnamese students from 26 countries and territories worldwide, who traveled to 10 cities and provinces across Vietnam from July 18th to August 1st, with Da Nang as the final destination.

Notably, they contributed nearly VND 200 million (USD 8,442) to charity activities in their homeland.

“Saying goodbye is always very difficult, especially when we have been together on a 16-day journey full of memories," said Deputy Minister and Chairwoman Le Thi Thu Hang. "But we will definitely meet again on the road ahead, in Vietnam or elsewhere in this big world. And so that distance is no longer an obstacle, let's keep in touch."

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang speaks at the event.

Representative of the Vietnam Summer Camp 2023 delegate, Nguyen Minh Thang, a camp member returning from Laos, spoke at the closing Ceremony and stressed that Vietnam Summer Camp is not just an educational and fun program. "We are really connected to the roots, history, and culture of Vietnam, and also connect with our own people because I believe that no matter where we go, each of us always aspires towards the homeland."

Thang, on behalf of 120 campers, thanked the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs, the Foreign Ministry, and localities, including the beautiful city of Da Nang, for organizing a meaningful Vietnam Summer Camp program. I touched to quote some verses from a poem composed by my friend Nguyen Huu Hung Thinh at the Young Vietnamese Talent Contest, to share the common voice of 120 youths.

“Cảm ơn đất nước quê hương

Dang tay chào đón yêu thương kiều bào

Dù cho xuôi ngược phương nào

Việt Nam hai tiếng tự hào nơi đây.”

Literally translated as

“Thank you, the homeland

With open arms to warmly welcome expatriates

No matter what direction they go

Vietnam is proud to be here.”

Find the roots, connect the future

First held in 2004, the camp has brought thousands of outstanding OV youths aged between 16-24 to visit their motherland.

This year's Vietnam summer camp has the theme "Vietnamese youth accompanies reaching the future", emphasizing the role of overseas Vietnamese youth and students in accompanying with the aspiration to develop a powerful and prosperous country that has been recognized by the Vietnamese government, stated in the document of the 13th Party Congress.

Activities of Vietnam Summer Camp 2023 are designed closely with this theme, meaning that through the program, children have the opportunity to express themselves, explore, and connect with the country to plan and implement more practical and specific activities to accompany the country.

During 16 days of operation in 10 provinces and cities from Hanoi to Da Nang, overseas students, and youth delegates were able to visit scenic spots, learn about national historical and cultural traditions at historical relics, museum; participate in gratitude and memorial activities at the Hung Temple Relic Site (Phu Tho province), King Dinh and King Le Temples in Hoa Lu Ancient Capital (Ninh Binh), Lam Kinh Historic Site (Thanh Hoa province), and the Lam Kinh Historical Site, Dong Loc T-junction (Ha Tinh province), Truong Son Martyrs Cemetery (Quang Binh province), Quang Tri Ancient Citadel.

Besides, there are many exchange activities, folk games, swimming, campfire; participating in the Vietnamese story-telling contest, performing ao dai, traditional costumes of other countries; visiting and handing over gifts at SOS Children's Villages, social protection centers in some local.

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