Young Vietnamese Abroad Boost Community Engagement in Europe

Nguyen Thi Dieu Linh, president of the Vietnamese Youth and Students in Europe Federation, highlighted the practical contributions of young overseas Vietnamese in enhancing the activities of associations across Europe. Her remarks underscored the pivotal role of the youth in advancing community engagement efforts abroad.
October 01, 2024 | 15:31
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How do you assess the role of young overseas Vietnamese in community associations?

The younger generation of overseas Vietnamese plays a vital role in the activities of community associations abroad, contributing significantly to the sustenance and growth of the Vietnamese youth.

Young Vietnamese Abroad Boost Community Engagement in Europe
The Vietnam Youth and Student Festival in Europe took place in 2022.

One of their primary roles is serving as cultural bridges. With their ability to assimilate and integrate both Vietnamese culture and that of their host countries, young overseas Vietnamese are instrumental in preserving and promoting national cultural values within the community while fostering a positive and friendly image of Vietnam abroad. This effort not only helps maintain traditional cultural identity and values but also enhances mutual understanding and respect among diverse ethnic groups.

Additionally, young members of the diaspora contribute to improving the efficiency of association activities through the application of technology, digital media, and social networks. With their adeptness at accessing information quickly, they facilitate connections and expand networks among Vietnamese youth and students in their regions. This fosters positive interactions, strengthens bonds, and helps build a more dynamic and thriving Vietnamese community worldwide.

Moreover, thanks to a solid educational foundation gained from their time in school, many young individuals have become experts and intellectuals. Through relentless effort, some have even taken on leadership roles, continuing the legacy of previous generations and driving essential changes to foster the sustainable growth of community associations. The participation and contributions of the younger generation create a broader platform for the Vietnamese diaspora, aiming to enhance unity, progress, and a positive influence on their host countries.

Notably, young overseas Vietnamese also play a crucial role in preserving and promoting the Vietnamese language and culture for future generations, ensuring these values are not lost in a new environment. Many second- and third-generation members actively engage in teaching Vietnamese and organizing activities to uphold and celebrate traditional cultural heritage for the next generations.

What policies do you think are needed to encourage young people to participate in community associations abroad?

To encourage the younger generation to engage in community support activities abroad and strengthen their connection with their homeland, several measures are necessary:

Firstly, fostering skill development. Relevant ministries and agencies should organize training programs and workshops to help young people develop leadership, teamwork, and project management skills tailored to the overseas community environment. These initiatives could be integrated with visits to Vietnam, turning them into part of the annual Vietnam Summer Camp program.

Secondly, establishing supportive policies. The government should introduce specific incentives, such as financial support, recognition of achievements, or preferential treatment in recruitment for young individuals who actively participate in community activities and return to work in Vietnam.

Thirdly, enhancing communication and networking. Public awareness campaigns should be launched to highlight the importance of community engagement while creating opportunities for young people abroad to connect with organizations, schools, and relevant authorities in Vietnam.

Fourthly, promoting a creative environment. Collaboration with start-up and innovation-focused organizations is key to developing programs that encourage and support community-based initiatives from young people, enabling them to pilot and implement their projects effectively.

Young Vietnamese Abroad Boost Community Engagement in Europe
Young intellectuals trained abroad contributed to the 5th Global Young Vietnamese Intellectuals Forum in 2022.

In September 2021, the Vietnamese Youth and Students in Europe Federation (VYSEF) was officially established.

VYSEF consists of members from youth and student associations, as well as student unions across various countries in Europe. The goal of VYSEF is to serve as a bridge, bringing together and connecting Vietnamese and Vietnamese-origin youth and students in Europe to support each other and engage in more activities focused on their homeland. Each member country acts as an important hub for implementing the union’s joint activities as well as for reporting and seeking input on organizing their own specific events. Through internal communication channels, VYSEF works closely with member associations to plan joint activities tailored to the conditions of each country, ensuring a better understanding of the needs of youth and students in different regions.

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