Can Tho, the place where the bonds of camaraderie between people from Bac Lieu and Ca Mau take flight.

Over the years, the Bac Lieu - Ca Mau Hometown Association in Can Tho City has organized many meaningful and practical cultural, economic, and social activities. Through these activities, the sense of camaraderie among people from the same hometown in Can Tho has grown stronger, and their spiritual lives have flourished. The 2nd "Hometown Solidarity in Can Tho" arts and culture competition, held in 2025, is a prime example.

The " Bac Lieu Following in the Footsteps of Heroes" program of the Bac Lieu Student Union at Tay Do University.

“This is my homeland, Minh Hai. Green fields stretching as far as the eye can see. Mangrove trees reaching far. Melaleuca trees wafting a gentle fragrance. Green forests of Ca Mau Cape. Green fields of white salt in Bac Lieu.” When the melody of the song “In My Homeland, Minh Hai” by composer Phan Nhan resounded in the Turtle Hall, Can Tho University, both delegates and thousands of audience members from Bac Lieu and Ca Mau could not hide their emotions. The warmth of hometown camaraderie was evident in this meaningful cultural program.

The 2nd "Homeland Solidarity in Tay Do" Arts and Culture Contest, 2025, was organized by the Bac Lieu - Ca Mau Hometown Association in Can Tho City in collaboration with the Student Union of Can Tho University and the Bac Lieu and Ca Mau Student Unions. Eleven Bac Lieu and Ca Mau Student Unions from universities in Can Tho City, along with Cuu Long University (Vinh Long) and Vo Truong Toan University ( Hau Giang ), presented 22 performances. Nguyen Duy Kha, from Ngoc Hien district, Ca Mau province, currently a student at Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy, shared: "This is my first time participating in the contest and I'm very happy. I'm even happier to be able to sing about my hometown." Vo Thi Huyen Tran, from Hong Dan district, Bac Lieu province, a student at Nam Can Tho University, said that the reunion of fellow students from her hometown in Tay Do (Can Tho) through this program was truly meaningful. Tran participated in the competition for the second time and is also a prominent figure in the arts and culture of the Bac Lieu Student Union at Nam Can Tho University.

Mr. Trang Tuan Kiet, Deputy Head of the Organizing Committee of the competition, said: The "Hometown Solidarity in Tay Do" arts and culture competition has become a regular activity, creating a playground for students studying in Can Tho City and some neighboring schools. Indeed, this year there were over 1,000 students participating, showing the development of the cultural and artistic movement in schools in Can Tho City. Nearly 1,500 students crowded into the Turtle Hall, many of them from other localities also came to watch and cheer enthusiastically, proving the program's widespread appeal.

From this platform, students from Bac Lieu and Ca Mau provinces at universities have more motivation to maintain and improve the quality of arts clubs and student union activities. Nguyen Hy Vong, from Cai Nuoc district, Ca Mau province, a student at Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy, said: "The Bac Lieu Student Union at the university always has many rich activities, helping us to showcase our skills, talents, and fulfill our passions."

According to Mr. Bui Vu Phuong, Chairman of the Bac Lieu - Ca Mau Hometown Association in Can Tho City, over the years, the association has maximized the spirit of solidarity and the capabilities of its members in each field, aiming to connect fellow countrymen and create a positive impact on Can Tho, a land known for its abundance of talent. This includes many meaningful activities such as business networking events, support for students and fellow countrymen in difficult circumstances, cultural and artistic activities, and social welfare initiatives. The impact of these activities in Can Tho City is very clear, contributing to enriching the cultural and spiritual life of the city and fostering community engagement. Notably, this occasion also saw the launch of the Bac Lieu - Ca Mau Student Club in Can Tho City, bridging the gap between students and young intellectuals from the province. In the future, many activities supporting education, employment, and entrepreneurship for students will be implemented to help those from Bac Lieu and Ca Mau make their mark in Can Tho.

The lyrics of "In My Homeland Minh Hai" continued to resonate even after the program ended, as a source of pride, adding another beautiful mark, a "brand" of camaraderie among those who chose Can Tho City as their place of study, career, work, and residence...

Text and photos: DUY KHÔI

Source: https://baocantho.com.vn/can-tho-noi-chap-canh-tinh-dong-huong-bac-lieu-ca-mau-a187625.html