Cultural performances and exchanges between Laotian, Cambodian, and Khmer students studying at universities in the province. Photo: MI NI
Easing homesickness
Traditionally, in mid-April (Gregorian calendar) each year, the people of the Lao People's Democratic Republic celebrate the traditional New Year, Bunpimay, while the Kingdom of Cambodia also joyfully celebrates the New Year, Chol Chnam Thmay. However, this is the peak study period for Lao and Cambodian students studying in An Giang , so most students are unable to return home to celebrate the New Year with their families.
Phommala Vanthakone, a student majoring in Information Technology at An Giang University, residing in Champasak Province (Laos), shared: “Although I miss home very much and sometimes feel sad because I can't be with my family during the traditional Lunar New Year, I understand that studying is important, so I try my best to complete the program well. At school, I receive a lot of care and support from teachers and friends, which helps me alleviate homesickness and gives me more motivation to complete my university program.”
To date, Phommala Vanthakone has gone three years without celebrating Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year) with her family. Each time Tet comes around, she misses the bustling atmosphere, cleaning the house, visiting temples, traditional rituals, and gathering with family in a warm atmosphere… Celebrating Tet away from home, everything becomes simpler for Phommala Vanthakone. She mainly calls home, takes the opportunity to cook some familiar dishes with friends, and tries to preserve the familiar Tet traditions.
Not only Phommala Vanthakone, but many Lao and Cambodian students studying in An Giang, as well as Khmer students in the province, share the same feelings about celebrating Tet (Lunar New Year) away from home. Kong Narin, a student majoring in biotechnology at Kien Giang University, residing in Pursat province (Kingdom of Cambodia), shared: “Celebrating Tet away from family is not an easy experience, especially when I miss the moments of reunion, traditional dishes, and the lively atmosphere of my hometown. During these days, I often call my family to receive encouragement from relatives or invite friends to go to the temple to pray for peace and find that feeling of tranquility like when I'm at home.”
Although residing in Giồng Riềng commune, Giáp Thúy Hà, a second-year student at Kiên Giang University, was unable to return home to celebrate the Lunar New Year with her family due to her class schedule coinciding with the holiday. “Even though my home isn’t far from the university, I still have classes to attend during these days, so I have to stay. Not being able to celebrate the New Year fully with my family is a little regrettable, but I prioritize my studies and will strive to maintain my excellent academic performance and complete my program as soon as possible,” Hà said.
Close together in a foreign land.
Understanding the homesickness of Lao and Cambodian students studying in An Giang, as well as Khmer students who cannot return home to reunite with their families during the traditional Lunar New Year, the Provincial Youth Union organized a reunion program for Cambodian and Lao students studying in An Giang, and outstanding Khmer students. At the reunion, students received gifts, participated in many meaningful activities such as cultural exchanges, performances, and shared a warm meal. “Participating in the reunion made me feel very warm. Meeting friends from my hometown and participating in cultural activities helped me ease my homesickness and feel the care of everyone. This is a memorable experience during my time studying far from home,” expressed Kong Narin.
Mr. Du Pham Huu Khuyen - Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Youth Union, President of the Vietnam Student Association of the province, shared: “We hope that the students from Laos, Cambodia, and the Khmer ethnic minority students will feel cared for and close to us as if they were in their homeland. These gifts, though small, are wishes for a peaceful and happy New Year, contributing to fostering solidarity and friendship among the youth of the three countries.”
According to Ms. Ly Thi Minh Trang, Deputy Secretary of the Youth Union of An Giang University, the university creates opportunities for students to interact through organizing games, cultural performances, sports , etc., and to learn about the traditional New Year festivals of Chol Chnam Thmay and Bunpimay, aiming to strengthen the bond and understanding between ethnic groups. At the same time, it commends and rewards students with good academic achievements to encourage the spirit of learning among the ethnic minority student community studying at the university. These meaningful activities not only help students far from home alleviate homesickness but also contribute to strengthening solidarity and friendship between Vietnamese, Lao, and Cambodian youth, spreading the spirit of sharing within the student community.
MINI
Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/mang-tet-den-giang-duong-a482867.html
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