Lao students are cared for in Thai Binh

Organizing exchanges during Tet holidays, mobilizing members to sponsor disadvantaged overseas students, providing timely support in studying and living... are practical activities of the Vietnam - Laos Friendship Association of Thai Binh province (Association) to accompany nearly 300 Lao overseas students in the locality.

Thai Binh University of Medicine and Pharmacy regularly receives nearly 300 Laotian students to study. According to the Association's report, during the 2020-2025 term, the Association has maintained a close relationship and closely coordinated with the school to support the students materially and spiritually.

The Association is facilitated by the school to directly contact the Student Executive Committee to grasp the thoughts, aspirations, and difficulties in studying and living of Laotian international students, thereby having timely support measures or making appropriate recommendations to relevant units. On traditional holidays such as the Lao traditional Bunpimay New Year, Vietnamese Lunar New Year, Teachers' Day, Vietnamese Doctors' Day, the Association coordinates with the school to organize exchange programs, congratulate and encourage international students, creating a friendly and close atmosphere like a common family.

The Vietnam - Laos Friendship Association of Thai Binh province awarded financial support to Lao students studying at Thai Binh University of Medicine and Pharmacy facing difficulties due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, August 12, 2021. (Photo: Thai Binh Newspaper)

In particular, during the complicated Covid-19 pandemic, Lao students could not return home, the Association promptly advised the People's Committee of Thai Binh province to support financial care, helping them feel secure to study in Vietnam.

A highlight of the term was the "Nurturing Friendship" program, in which many members volunteered to sponsor international students in difficult circumstances. To date, 6 students have been sponsored. There was a case of an international student who suffered a stroke twice and had to receive long-term treatment at Thai Binh University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital. His family came from Laos to take care of him in a language barrier and a very difficult life. The Association closely coordinated with the Student Executive Committee and Thai Binh University of Medicine and Pharmacy to mobilize support of nearly 30 million VND, helping the international student to have the conditions to receive treatment and recover his health. After 6 months, he recovered and returned to his homeland. Another international student with cancer was also supported by the Association with 30 million VND for treatment at K Hospital, then completed his studies and returned to work in Vietnam.

In addition to taking care of their lives, the Association also regularly organizes propaganda andeducation about the special Vietnam-Laos relationship for Lao students studying abroad, helping them deeply understand the history of solidarity between the two nations, feel secure in their studies and act as a bridge to spread friendship when returning to their homeland.

Friendly exchanges between Lao students and the local community are an activity that the Association focuses on. Through coordination with schools, authorities and organizations at all levels, many programs such as friendly sports competitions, art performances, culinary exchanges, and club activities have been organized, helping students integrate into the living environment in Thai Binh, while strengthening the relationship between the young generations of the two countries.

In particular, during the traditional Tet holiday, the Association mobilized members' families to bring Lao students back home to celebrate Tet together, creating opportunities for them to experience Vietnamese culture and feel the sincere affection of local people.

Chairman of the Vietnam - Laos Friendship Association of Thai Binh province, Mr. Nguyen Duc Hanh (third from left), with the family of his two Lao godchildren. (Photo: Thai Binh Newspaper)

Based on the foundation of people-to-people friendship, the Association has effectively advised to restore and develop the sister relationship between Thai Binh province and Xayaburi province (Laos). Thanks to that, Thai Binh province has organized working delegations to visit and work in Laos; supported the construction of a school worth 5 billion VND, donated 30 sets of computers and received 8 students with difficult circumstances from the neighboring province to study at Thai Binh University of Medicine and Pharmacy.

The Association also proactively organizes or participates in many friendship activities, including: exchanges with the Laos - Vietnam Friendship Association of Xieng Khouang province; participating in major holidays of the association; organizing a contest to learn about the history of Vietnam - Laos relations attracting hundreds of participants, including nearly 100 Lao students...

Although not belonging to a specific association group and not receiving regular operating funds, the Association still maintains stable operations and gradually expands its organization at the grassroots level. To date, the Association has established 5 member associations in 65% of districts and cities, with a total of 1,250 members.

With persistent efforts and a high sense of responsibility, the Association was awarded a Certificate of Merit by the Central Committee of the Vietnam - Laos Friendship Association; many outstanding cadres and members were also recognized and rewarded for their outstanding achievements in people-to-people diplomacy.

On May 16, the Vietnam - Laos Friendship Association of Thai Binh province will hold its 3rd Congress for the 2025-2030 term. The Congress will assess the implementation of the Resolution of the 2nd Congress for the 2020-2025 term and set out directions for activities in the new term.

Source: https://thoidai.com.vn/hoc-sinh-lao-duoc-cham-soc-o-thai-binh-213514.html