Vietnam Summer Camp 2017 kicked off at a ceremony held by the Foreign Ministry’s State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs (SCOVA) and the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, in Ho Chi Minh City, on July 19^th.

At a ceremony kicking off Vietnam Summer Camp 2017 in HCM City. (Photo: VNA)

Under the theme ‘Young expats proud of the southern land’, activities in the program aim to teach the tradition of “when drinking water, think of its source”; about the national historical culture, customs and people of Vietnam; charitable activities; promote exchanges between young people and students in localities; and to teach them about cultural preservation and natural environment protection in the Mekong Delta.

Speaking at the launch ceremony on July 19^th, Vice Chairwoman of the municipal People’s Committee Nguyen Thi Thu welcomed the 110 young participants from 25 countries, saying that the annual camp allows young Vietnamese living across the globe to return to their homeland and meet with their peers in Vietnam.

It is also a place for them to learn Vietnamese and learn about the country’s history, tradition, culture and policies, thus maintaining a strong tie between the expatriates and their homeland, she noted.

The event takes place from July 18^th to 31^st in HCM City, Can Tho city and other provinces in the Mekong Delta, featuring the participation of 110 students and young people aged from 16 to 23, who are the children of Vietnamese overseas with the criteria including: having good results in studying or working; participating in and contributing to the youth and student movements or activities of the overseas Vietnamese community toward the homeland, or their parents contribute to the country or overseas Vietnamese associations; those live and study for a long-term in a foreign country with foreign passport or long-term residence card. They haven’t participated in any Vietnam Summer Camp and want to participate in the event under its purpose requirements; they have no congenital disease, are healthy enough to participate in the journey by car; have a sense of organization and discipline; enthusiastically participating in cultural, art and collective activities; and know Vietnamese at least to be able communicate and participate in exchange activities.

SCOVA will cover all expenses for meals, accommodation, travel and activities during the Vietnam Summer Camp program; the delegates self-support their round trip airfare, insurance and personal expenses, in addition to expenses paid by the organizing committee mentioned above./.

VNF/VNA