Understand to love Vietnamese culture

Ms. Dang Thi Bich Son teaches Lao female students to cook Quang noodles.

Warm home

Starting from the end of November 2023, the Friendship Union and the Association in coordination with the Consulate General of the Lao PDR in Da Nang , the People's Committees of Thanh Khe, Hai Chau, Lien Chieu, Cam Le, Son Tra, Ngu Hanh Son districts; Da Nang University and its member universities; Duy Tan University organized the launching ceremony of the Homestay Program for Lao students studying at universities in the city. With the responsibility of the local government and the tradition of kindness and hospitality of Da Nang people, Laotian youth have felt the loving and close-knit family life. They have the opportunity to improve their Vietnamese communication skills, understand more about the customs and good lifestyle of Vietnamese people, and practice using the language more fluently outside theeducational environment at the university.

Laotian students always call their Vietnamese families “father, mother” to express their love and respect for those who are taking care of and guiding them. Communicating with us in fluent Vietnamese, two Laotian students Mueangphan Thipphahone (2005) and Chanthamath Phonepany (2005), students at Da Nang University of Education, said that they had stayed and lived with the family of Ms. Dang Thi Bich Son and Mr. Nguyen Xuan Linh (group 37, Hoa Phat ward, Cam Le district). After two weeks, they felt the sincere affection and closeness from Linh’s father and Son’s mother, so they considered the house as their second home.

Ms. Bich Son shared that the two friends MueangphanThipphahone and Chanthamath Phonepany are considered as their own children. Every day after school, she teaches them to cook typical dishes such as Quang noodles, Cao Lau, corn sweet soup, etc.; and explains to them about the customs and traditions of the Vietnamese people, the traditional Tet holiday. On free days, the whole family goes to Con market and Han market to introduce them to more and more about traditional cuisine. “Having the two friends living with us makes my family very happy, our daily life is not disrupted at all. We are always open so that the children are less shy and can quickly integrate. The two friends are very obedient, and ask for help with everything their parents do. After being here for a while, when they leave, the family will definitely miss them and feel empty, as if they are far away from their own relatives,” Ms. Bich Son said emotionally.

Expressing his affection for the family of Tran Thi Lan Thanh (Group 11, An Khe Ward, Thanh Khe District), Xaisomphou Khaikeo (student of Duy Tan University, Da Nang) said: “Normally I live in a rented house, now I have my second home. I get to meet my parents, interact more with neighbors, and Vietnamese young friends. Thanks to my parents' affection and love, I don't feel alienated, the whole family always sincerely expresses their opinions together. My parents help me learn to speak Vietnamese, which is very helpful for my studies and my life now and in the future.” Khaikeo is one of nearly 150 Lao students being welcomed home by local households under the “Homestay” program implemented by the Da Nang Union of Friendship Organizations. They are arranged in private rooms, sharing common space with their families. Students actively learn and practice Vietnamese, interact with residents and local organizations.

Two Lao students participated in the "Homestay" program at the house of Mr. Nguyen Xuan Linh and Ms. Dang Thi Bich Son (Group 37, Hoa Phat Ward, Cam Le District).

Strengthening the Vietnam - Laos relationship

Mr. Nguyen Xuan Linh said that the city's implementation of the "Hometsay" program has solved many problems related to language, culture, and history of the two countries. He and his family always support and hope to continue to accompany programs to enhance understanding and cultural friendship between Vietnam and other countries.

In Da Nang City, the Homestay Program, implemented since 2011, has become a bright spot and a typical model that has been studied and replicated throughout the country. Every year, an average of nearly 100 Lao students participate in the Program, through which many Vietnamese-Lao relationships of fathers, mothers, children, brothers, sisters, and siblings have been formed, serving as the nucleus to nurture and develop the close relationship between the people of the two countries.

Ms. Dinh Thi Thanh Truc, Vice President of the Vietnam - Laos Friendship Association of Da Nang City, said that to understand the nation, culture is the core, in which cultural exchange activities are the most practical and touching. Therefore, the purpose of bringing Lao students to the homes of "Vietnamese parents" to learn about traditional culture is the core. After 10 years of implementation, the most outstanding advantage of the program is to strengthen the special friendship and understanding of the traditional culture of the two countries Vietnam - Laos, especially for young people.

In 2023, many cultural exchange programs and activities were organized between the two countries, such as the Bunpimay Lao Traditional New Year Festival; Vietnam - Laos Circus Gala Art Exchange, giving nearly 1,000 invitation tickets to officials and staff of the Lao Consulate General and Lao students working, studying and living in Da Nang; Homestay Program for Lao students... The Union of Friendship Organizations and the Vietnam - Laos Friendship Association of Da Nang City have played a good role as a bridge to promote development cooperation, mobilizing tens of billions of VND in scholarships for Lao students studying at universities in the area. Units and localities maintain cooperation and remember with 7 localities of Laos. In the period of 2023-2027, Da Nang City will continue to maintain many support activities and scholarship programs for Lao officials and students, including postgraduate, graduate and undergraduate students.

NGOC HA

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