When education becomes a bridge of friendship

Samounty Yumi - a first-year nursing student at Yen Bai Vocational College recently visited the Traditional House and met at Division 355, Military Region 2 on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the National Day of the Lao People's Democratic Republic (December 2, 1975 - December 2, 2025); the 81st anniversary of the founding of the Vietnam People's Army (December 22, 1944 - December 22, 2025). The trip brought Yumi and her friends historical knowledge and the spirit of friendship between the two countries.

Lao and Vietnamese students visit traditional houses
Division 355.

Yumi shared: At the program, Colonel Cao Xuan Thanh - Member of the Standing Committee of the Party Committee, Deputy Political Commissar of Division 355 inspired us about the close, loyal and steadfast relationship between the armed forces of Vietnam and Laos, especially the friendly cooperation between Regiment 82, Division 355 of Military Region 2 and Division 3 of the Lao People's Army. I clearly remember the Colonel sharing: The 5 times he went to Laos with the Colonel were not business trips, but were like a journey "back home" where he always received warm affection and respect from his comrades, teammates and the people of the Lao tribes.

Lao students participate in cultural exchange performances.

Xayyaseuay Noynilanh spent more than 3 years studying at Yen Bai Vocational College, participating in the Executive Committee of the Vietnam - Laos Youth Club, she received a lot of help from Vietnamese teachers and friends. Noynilanh shared: I came to Vietnam with many surprises, but after a short time, I felt like at home. Vietnamese teachers and friends are very friendly, always helping me. Joining the club, I not only learned Vietnamese better but also learned deeply about Vietnamese culture and history. I was especially impressed with the stories about Vietnam - Laos solidarity during the war when meeting Vietnamese veterans who fought in Laos. When returning to Laos, I will be a storyteller, a bridge to introduce the beautiful country of Vietnam and this special friendship to family and friends.

Like Yumi, Noynilanh, Souliyot Tia - a second-year male student majoring in Nursing at Yen Bai Vocational College learned about the educational cooperation program through the XaynhaBuly Department of Education and Training. Tia shared: I was lucky to be chosen to study. Studying at the school, in addition to studying my major, I received attention from Vietnamese teachers and friends, and participated in many exchange activities that helped me better understand the sacrifices of generations of Vietnamese fathers and brothers for the peace of Laos. I feel very grateful. I promise that in the future, wherever I am, I will contribute my small part to fostering the Vietnam - Laos friendship to become stronger.

Yen Bai Vocational College organizes Lao New Year for international students.

Currently, at Yen Bai Vocational College, there are 94 Laotian students studying. Of these, 29 are diligently studying Vietnamese, 6 are studying Information Technology and 59 are studying Nursing. Each student has the desire to study to build their homeland. From the lessons in the classroom, the diligent practice hours, to the simple daily moments, they not only receive knowledge but also create a strong invisible bond, weaving a colorful tapestry of friendship.

Realizing the importance of creating an environment for exchange and connection, the Board of Directors of Yen Bai Vocational College, with the consensus and close coordination with the Truong Son Literature and Arts Association of Yen Bai province (now Lao Cai province), decided to establish the Vietnam - Laos Youth Club in October 2021. This is not only a playground but also a common home, where 100% of Lao students can exchange with Vietnamese students, creating a vibrant multicultural community.

Students of Yen Bai College regularly participate in diplomatic activities between Lao Cai and Vientiane provinces.

The club is divided into two main groups: the school-based group organizes many large-scale cultural and sports events, creating opportunities for students from both countries to participate in common activities; the art group - cultural ambassadors consisting of 20 talented Vietnamese and Lao students, becoming the core for cultural and artistic activities of the school, Truong Son Arts Association, departments, branches, agencies and units in the province.

Each group has its own mission but shares the same goal of fostering friendship. In each event, in addition to the special performances, Lao and Vietnamese students also share the meaning of preserving the tradition and friendship between Vietnam and Laos, especially expressing deep gratitude for the sacrifices of Vietnamese soldiers on the Lao battlefield during the resistance wars against France and the US. Those touching images and stories do not stop at the events but are also strongly spread to the young generation of the two countries through social networks, each student is a propagandist, a messenger of friendship.

Teacher Cam Thi Nghiep - Head of the Vietnam - Laos Youth Club always accompanies Lao students.

Teacher Cam Thi Nghiep - Head of the Vietnam - Laos Youth Club shared: The club is not only a place to study and exchange culture, but also a place where students find solidarity, bond, and together create beautiful memories of the youth of the two countries. I believe that the Club's activities of educating traditions, fostering revolutionary ideals, and cultivating friendship and solidarity between Vietnam and Laos have contributed to improving the effectiveness of the cooperation program between Lao Cai province and the two provinces of Vientiane and Xaynhabuly. Lao students today and tomorrow, when returning to their homeland, not only bring knowledge but also become ambassadors of Vietnam - Laos friendship. They will be the ones to continue to nurture and embellish the glorious history of this special relationship.

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