Over 400 gifts for university international students in Hanoi

The State Committee on Overseas Vietnamese and Steve Bui and Friends Foundation on Wednesday handed over 420 gift packages worth $8,800USD including rice, instant noodles, drinks, to expats studying in 10 universities in Hanoi. The beneficiaries are all affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Representatives of foreign embassies and universities presented gifts to international students in Hanoi. Photo: Vietnam Times

“The fourth outbreak has taken a big toll on every aspect of life, including education,” said Steve Bui, chairman of the Steve Bui and Friends Foundation. “As overseas Vietnamese, we understand the difficulties foreign students are facing in Vietnam during the pandemic. This has prompted us to crowdfund and sent small gifts to stranded students in Vietnam.”

Steve expressed his hope the support would encourage stranded foreigners. The gifts, he said, represent international affection and sharing.

Representative of Steve Bui Foundation and Friends Foundation gives gifts to international students at universities in Hanoi. Photo: Vietnam Times

On his part, Chanthaphone Khammanichanh, Vietnamese Government to Lao Deputy Ambassador to Vietnam, extended his gratitude for Vietnamese organizations and people for their care towards Lao overseas students.

“This is a great source of encouragement which shows the long-term friendship and solidarity between the two nations. So far, no Lao students in Vietnam have been infected the coronavirus,” Khammanichanh said. “Many have been vaccinated. We hope that the young generations of the two countries will continue to uphold this valuable tradition.”

Steve Bui speaks at the ceremony. Photo: Vietnam Times

Chanthaphone Khammanichanh, Vietnamese Government to Lao Deputy Ambassador to Vietnam gives his speech. Photo: Vietnam Times

A representative of Hanoi University of Science and Technology said the establishment currently has around 150 international students from 14 countries, including Cambodia, Lao, South Korea.

Such supporting program has tremendous impacts on cultivating international friendship, helping foreign students love and stick with Vietnam more.

Gifts for stranded Cambodian students

The Can Tho Youth Union and Can Tho Union of Friendship Organizations on Sept. 8 also presented aid packages to 17 Cambodian students stuck in Vietnam. Each package includes $ 22USD, foodstuff, face masks and antiseptic alcohol.

Nguyen Phuong Tung, of Can Tho Youth Union, said the recipients are from Can Tho University and Can Tho Medical University. “The program will give more motivation to Cambodian students to overcome the difficult time. Most of them haven’t returned to their hometown for a long time because of the travel ban,” he said. “I hope the support will further tighten the bilateral solidarity and friendship.”

Cambodian student receives support from Can Tho Youth Union and Can Tho Union of Friendship Organizations Wednesday. Photo: Thanh Nien

Photo: Thanh Nien

Kit Chanda, 25, an overseas student majoring in information technology at Can Tho University, said he normally flies back to Phnom Penh with his family three times a year. However, he’s been stuck in Vietnam for over a year due to the Covid-19 outbreak.

“I’m very happy to receive this thoughtful gift. Local people’s concern and sharing have helped me overcome the nostalgia of my loved ones. Your kindness makes me love Vietnam and its people even more. I feel like Vietnam is my hometown,” Chanda told Thanh Nien.

Expats Work Online During the Pandemic The coronavirus pandemic has forced many people worldwide to transfer their skills online. For Vietnam's expat community, many found interesting ways to make a living ...

Expats in Vietnam Appreciate Support From Police During Lockdown Struggling with food supply, income, and legal procedure during lockdown, many foreigners received timely supported by the public security forces.

Russian Expat Delivers Crucial Supplies to Households Amid Rising Pandemic Dr. Victor Vladovich, 38, spends three hours every morning buying and shipping medicine and foodstuff to households in Vinhomes Central Park, of HCMC’s Binh Thanh ...

Vietnamese and South African Couple Lends Support to Foreigners in HCMC Tran Thanh Hai, 38, and her South African husband Mauritz Pretorius, 32, have been bringing many oxygen cylinders to help coronavirus-infected expats in HCMC