Vietnam Among Korean's Top Destinations to Enjoy Mid-Autumn Festival
	Overseas Children Enjoy Mid-Autumn Activities

Touching letters from students of Duc Tri Kindergarten, Primary and Secondary School (Da Nang City) to students in northern provinces affected by the storm. (Photo: Van Dung/VNA)

Storm Yagi (Storm No. 3) caused prolonged heavy rains, landslides, and severe flooding in both the plains and mountainous areas in northern Vietnam. In this year's Mid-Autumn Festival, instead of jubilant activities, touching programs have been held to show solidarity with the flood-hit areas.

Unite to support people in flood-hit areas

In the past week, many provinces, cities, departments, and sectors have announced the suspension of festival and entertainment activities to save funds for people affected by storm No. 3.

To name a few, the Thang Long-Hanoi Heritage Conservation Center postponed the "Mid-Autumn Festival 2024 Celebration" program; the Hue Monuments Conservation Center temporarily postponed the Hue International Lantern Festival, the Linh Phung Ao Dai Festival, the Street Lantern Procession, and the Autumn for Children art program taking place from September 16-19. The Thanh Tuyen Festival held from August 30 to September 15 - the largest Mid-Autumn Festival in the country, was also announced to be suspended by the People's Committee of Tuyen Quang.

Along with that, many provinces, cities, agencies, and units have shortened celebrating programs, not organized grand festivals, switched to giving practical gifts, and directly supported people in storm and flood areas. Many schools across the country have also adjusted their Mid-Autumn Festival plans.

Children's recreational activities have been reduced, instead, small but emotional gifts are sent to friends in affected areas. These gifts are symbols of the Vietnamese people's "mutual love" spirit in times of difficulty.

For example, all classes at Doan Ket Primary School (Long Bien District, Hanoi) launched a fundraising campaign to support areas affected by the storm.

Nguyen Thi Lieu, the school's principal, said that this year, the Mid-Autumn Festival will not be held. Instead, students contribute to support localities affected by the storm and flood. With such meaningful actions, the children will still have a beautiful full moon season - a full moon season of kindness and sharing.

Nguyen Thi Lan (Long Bien District, Hanoi) said that this year, her neighborhood will not organize the Mid-Autumn Festival. The funds will be used to support people affected by storm No. 3. She and her children packed necessities and joined volunteer groups to send them to the flood-hit areas. Although the Mid-Autumn Festival is not as bustling as every year, children have learned a lesson about compassion and sharing.

According to the Ministry of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs, this year the Mid-Autumn Festival programs and events will be shortened, focusing on giving gifts to children in difficult circumstances, especially in ethnic minority areas, remote areas, border areas, islands, and areas affected by natural disasters.

Children in the riverside hamlet of Yen Phu ward, Tay Ho district happily celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival. (Photo: Quoc Khanh/VNA)

On this occasion, educational initiatives were emphasized to foster a spirit of unity and compassion. Additionally, efforts were made to encourage community involvement in supporting children from flood-stricken regions to restore normalcy in their lives and resume their education promptly.

A simple and warm Mid-Autumn Festival

In his Mid-Autumn Festival 2024 message to children, General Secretary and President To Lam stated: "This year's festival feels incomplete as natural disasters have brought grave consequences to numerous families, villages, and communes. Tragically, many children have perished, and others have suffered the loss of loved ones and homes, enduring extremely tough conditions. My heart goes out to the families and relatives of the young victims of storms and floods. I hope that we find the courage to surmount this grief and loss. To the children in affected areas, please prioritize your safety during study and play. Avoid hazardous areas, refrain from playing near water bodies such as rivers, streams, ponds, and lakes, and heed the guidance of your parents and teachers to safeguard yourselves and your peers."

To ensure that children in flood-affected areas are not left out and can experience a warm and loving Mid-Autumn Festival, numerous activities involving visits and gift-giving have been organized for this occasion.

Affected by storm No.3, Son Tay town in Hanoi postponed the "Mid-Autumn Festival in the Ancient Citadel." Instead, they provided children with a safe, cost-effective, and meaningful festival tailored to the current circumstances.

Following the program's conclusion, town leaders and artists promptly visited the flood-stricken regions of Xuan Son commune, Trung Hung ward, and Ngo Quyen ward to distribute gifts and offer support to the children and residents affected by the flooding.

Despite being affected by storm No. 3, Bac Ninh endeavored to ensure children could still enjoy a meaningful Mid-Autumn Festival. This was achieved through the Full Moon Festival program, aptly themed "Lanterns Light Up Dreams." At the program, children were immersed in the warm atmosphere with cultural and artistic performances and scholarship awards.

The province has also initiated the "Bringing Mid-Autumn Festival to children affected by storms and floods" campaign, which is being held in regions severely impacted by Storm No. 3, as well as at the Bac Ninh Maternity and Pediatrics Hospital. This significant initiative aims to bring joy to children in storm and flood-stricken areas, ensuring that those who are celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival away from home receive prompt care and support from community organizations.

Although storms and floods cause irreparable losses, with the joint efforts of the whole community, the wounds will soon heal and the lives of people in flooded areas will soon stabilize again. The storm has passed, but humanity remains forever.

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