(VNF) - During their trip to Vietnam from December 9^th to 15^th, a delegation of the American Council of Young Political Leaders (ACYPL) had a visit to the Vietnam Friendship Village in Van Canh commune, Hoai Duc district, Hanoi on December 10^th.

The Vietnam Friendship Village, about 11 kilometres west of central Hanoi, provides medical care, physical therapy, education and vocational training to Vietnamese children, young adults and veterans with a range of maladies presumed to be caused by AO.

Nguyen Thang Long, Deputy Director of the Vietnam Friendship Village receives ACYPL delegates.

Nguyen Thang Long, Deputy Director of the Vietnam Friendship Village, welcomed the delegation to visit Vietnam and thanked their attention, care and support of the Friendship Force delegation towards the victims of Agent Orange (AO) /dioxin in Vietnam.

Briefing the guests on the Village’s history and development, he noted the village has fulfilled its task of taking care of war veterans and AO victims over the years. Besides material things, the Village paid special attention to the victims’ spiritual lives through art exchanges, sports and by visiting historic monuments and museums.

The Village also focused on giving healthcare to the victims. Apart from rehabilitation, the Village often worked with large hospitals to treat seriously ill victims while keeping up with research and using existing medical devices to increase the quality of medical check-ups and treatment.

Representing ACYPL, Jennifer Lowe, also shared that she was deeply moved when visiting classes at the Vietnam Friendship Village and witnessing the difficulties of the children.

"I knows some about Vietnam, mostly about history about the war between Vietnam and America. But I never been here before so it’s very insterested to come and learn about our current relationships, and about the wonderful Vietnamese people and to develop a deeper bond between two countries," she said.

“I think the village is a very special place. It’s very heart warming, a place to help victims of the war and we’re very honour to be here, to be able to see it for yourself and look forward to telling other American about this place when we go home and about its special people in here,” she stressed.

A delegate take photo with a child of the Village.

The delegation visited special classes for children affected by AO, sewing classes and embroidery classes at the Village. They were very touched to witness the sequelae as well as the friendliness of the children in the Friendship Village. Wishing to express sympathy and sharing, the delegation bought some craft products made by the children here.

Although only knew the war in Vietnam through books, but Nily Rozic was very honored to be visited and learnt about Vietnam. "I think our visit to Friendship Village is very important in understanding and recognising the consequences of war on both sides, both Americans and Vietnamese."

On this occasion, the delegation also met and talked with war veterans under treatment in the village. Although not able to directly communicate due to language differences, but the two sides gave each other sincere feelings through the tight handshakes, warm hugs and friendly smiles.

The trip to the Vietnam Friendship Village left an unforgotten memories to the ACYPL delegation.

Eager to explore Vietnam

On the evening of December 9^th, despite the flight to Vietnam in the afternoon but the delegates visited streets and enjoyed street food dishes near the hotel where they stay. The members are impressed with friendly Vietnamese people, delicious food and reasonable prices.

Nily Rozic, member of the New York State Assembly, has learned a bit about Vietnam before coming here but she wants to experience on her own. “I knew a little bit about Vietnam but I think it’s best to Vietnam in person, to see it, to smell it, to walk the streets, to get the very first hand expriences of it.”

With David Spector, Director of High Performance Transportation Enterprise, Hanoi is especially impressed with the delicious food and vibrant nightlife.

Other members of the delegation, such as Jennifer Lowe, Vice President of National Strategy and Engagement Organisation at the Boeing Co., and Bradley Christensen, Vice President of Republican State Youth Committeeman of Idaho, all said they want to explore Vietnam in all fields and will introduce to friends about the actual situation in Vietnam.

In Hanoi, the ACYPL delegation will visit Van Mieu-Quoc Tu Giam, see the water puppet show in Thang Long Water Puppet Theater, meet the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Hanoi People's Committee, and Women's Union Vietnam, etc. Then delegation will flight to Ho Chi Minh City and Tien Giang./.

Minh Chau