The Vietnam – USA Society (VUS) on June 15 received a delegation consisting of students and teachers of George School (Pennsylvania, US), who are on a 12-day Vietnam visit (June 10 – 22).

Overview of the meeting

In the meeting, Chairman of VUS Nguyen Tam Chien briefed the guests on people – to – people diplomacy activities of VUS and the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO) as well as the endeavor to promote peace by Vietnam and US. He also emphasized remarkable milestones of the friendly relations between two countries and the role of VUS in helping strengthen the ties.

Furthermore, VUS Chairman expressed his hope that via the visit, the students of George School, representatives of American youth would chance to gain insights of Vietnam’s foreign policies, the Vietnam – US relations and hence contribute to strengthening mutual understanding between two countries, continuing to nourish the friendship in the future. In addition, he took the occasion to encourage young Americans to play a part in deepening the Vietnam – US relations.

On behalf of the delegation, Steven Fletcher, teacher of George school expressed his sincere thank for the endearing welcome of VUS, saying that the school’s visit to Vietnam as a valuable opportunity for him and the students to enrich their understanding of the Vietnamese history, culture and its people.

At the end of the meeting, the students had their premier meeting with their host families, who came to welcome them home-away-from-home.

In the coming days, the students are scheduled to visit the Vietnam Friendship Village, SOS children’s village, Garment 10 Corporation – Joint Stock Company, several cultural sights and historical heritages.

George School students meet with host families.

George School is the first American school visited Vietnam via the introduction of VUS after the normalization of diplomatic relations between US and Vietnam in 1995.

In over the last 20 years, the school has sent 18 delegations to Vietnam, to learn about the Vietnamese culture, history and people through various activities such as sightseeing, supporting AO/Dioxin victims, orphans etc.

During their visit, George School donated 150kg of medicine and medical equipment to E Hospital in 1998, 80 kg of medicine and medical equipment to Saint Paul Hospital in 2009 (worth USD 50,000). The school has also donated USD 30,000 to charitable organizations in Vietnam, as well as offering scholarship for Vietnamese students.

( Van Nguyen )