Strengthening Vietnam – Belarus Friendship Through Culture And Souvenirs

Nguyen Ngoc Quy, Chairman of the Bach Duong Club:

Preserving the love of Russian through music and memories

I came to Russia in 1965, after graduating from Hanoi University, to study at the guided missile school. In 2008, after retiring, I returned to Russia and wrote the article "How I Raise Russian Children". This article was chosen as a script for a television show, in which I was honored to invite my former teacher to participate.
Currently, I am the President of the Bach Duong Music Club, which brings together many members who studied in Russia. We organize meetings and performances with Russian songs, especially songs about Belarus, where I used to live in Minsk. Teaching Russian through music not only helps to foster a love of the Russian language and Russian culture in the younger generation but is also my way of transmitting my love for Russia and Belarus to the next generations.

Do Van Son, member of Vietnam - Belarus Friendship Association:

Connecting Vietnam - Belarus friendship from past to present

I went to the Soviet Union to study in 1973, majoring in hydroelectric power plant construction in Belarus. My time studying in Belarus equipped me with professional knowledge and left me with many profound memories. These souvenirs are not only evidence of meaningful years of study but also a symbol of affection and gratitude towards Belarus.
When I returned to Belarus in 1992, although many things had changed, the warmth and welcome of the Belarusian people towards me had not faded. Their friendliness and closeness have always been a great encouragement to me. I wish I could see my old friends and teachers again, but work has prevented it. The Vietnam - Belarus Friendship Association has helped me maintain contact with my old teachers and friends. I hope that in the future, we will have more opportunities to share and recall beautiful memories from our time studying in the Soviet Union and continue to strengthen the people-to-people relations between Vietnam and Belarus.

Ton Nu Phuong Lien, member of Vietnam - Belarus Friendship Association:

Special family ties to Belarus

During my studies in the Soviet Union, I loved Russian songs. When I returned home, I joined the Bach Duong Club, where activities helped me recall good memories and improve my spiritual life. We organize visits to Russia and always wish to maintain and develop relations between Vietnam - Russian Federation, Vietnam – Belarus, and generations of students who studied in the Soviet Union.
My family has a special connection with Belarus: my daughter-in-law used to live in Belarus and her younger brother is married to a Belarusian. We often cook traditional Belarusian dishes and share our family memories, joys, and sorrows, which helps us to understand the culture and people of Belarus. I hope there will be more opportunities to share good memories and build strong relations between the two countries.

Thai Phuong Thao, 11th-grade student, Thai Nguyen High School for the Gifted:

Spreading the love of Slavic culture to the younger generation

My choice to learn Russian comes from family tradition, and a deep love for the language and the culture of Russian-speaking countries, including Belarus. Russia and Belarus are countries with rich cultures and kind and generous people. I want to spread this love to young people through Slavic cultural programs and recruitment activities.
Although learning Russian was initially difficult, mastering this language has opened up many opportunities for exchange and connection between Belarus and Vietnam, helping us to have a deeper understanding of the culture and people here. We will try to study better and share about Slavic culture and the memorable experiences we have participated in.

Pham Thi Huyen, Russian teacher at Thai Nguyen High School for the Gifted:

Instilling passion for the Russian language and Slavic culture in students

Currently, there are many opportunities to receive scholarships to study abroad in Russian-speaking countries such as Russia and Belarus. To receive a full scholarship, students only need to win prizes in national Olympic or excellent student competitions.
Discovering Slavic culture and meeting the people of these countries deepened my love for the Russian language. I wish to contribute to spreading the Russian language and culture of Russian-speaking countries to young people in Vietnam. The affinity between Slavic and Vietnamese cultures plays an essential role in promoting cultural relations. Through activities such as the Russian Language Festival and traditional Slavic festivals, young people will have the opportunity to get closer to Slavic culture, thereby developing a deep understanding of the country and its people.