​Up to now, the Vietnam-Laos Friendship Association of Dong Nai province has reached 1,515 members with 31 branches and inter-branches in grassroots level. Most of these branches / inter-branches are very active, contributing to the solidarity and friendship of Vietnam - Laos.

Numerous and vibrant activities

Chairman of the provincial Vietnam-Laos Friendship Association (the Association) Do Dang Tuoc, said that the Association has accelerated the establishment of branches and inter-branches in all districts and cities over the recent years. After holding the congress, all branches and inter-branches have completed their operation regulations and actively carried out vibrant activities.

Typically, Branch No.5 in Trang Dai ward admitted 19 Lao students studying at Dong Nai Technology University as honorary members; at the same time holding trip for these Lao students to visit the military base D, visiting Vietnamese heroic mothers whose offsprings died in Laos. The field trip has left a deep touching impression in many Lao students.

Not only the said Branch No.5, Branch No.8 in Ho Nai 3 ward (Trang Bom district) also organized many trips to visit Laos, Con Dao island, Hang Duong cemetery and visit the tomb of heroic martyr Vo Thi Sau. Two members voluntarily take care a Vietnamese heroic mother during her remaining life.

As for Branch No.4 of Bien Hoa city, the branch cooperated with the provincial Association of Retired Teachers to buy a water filter for students of Champasak province studying at the Dong Nai School of Culture and Arts, and also organized exchange meeting with the Resistance Prisoners Association of Bien Hoa city.

In addition, the Association’s branches i.e. No. 4, No. 5, No. 6, Tam Phuoc (Bien Hoa), Bau Can and Long Thanh town usually pay visit to and encourage Lao students on the occasions of anniversary of traditional days of two countries. Some members stand sponsor to these students and treat them as a member in family.

“I have been in Vietnam for over three years. Although being away from home, the affection of members, teachers and friends does help us somehow feel less homesick. We will try to study, practice and use such knowledge back to Laos to develop our homeland,” said Vongphachanh Phoutthasin, a third-year student pursuing study at Dong Nai University of Technology.

Each member is a typical example in the residential area

Majority of the Association’s members used to participate in fighting and voluntary campaigns in Laos. Therefore, they all earn a strong political view and be well aware of the importance of fostering the special friendship, solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Laos and Vietnam.

After fulfilling the noble international missions, these Vietnamese soldiers returned to their localities. They always perform the virtue of a revolutionary soldier, observe the Party’s guidelines and the State’s laws, and actively take part in movements such as "All people protect the national security", "All people unite to build new rural areas and civilized cities", "Vietnamese people are proud to use Vietnamese goods".

Mr. Nguyen Van Son, Head of branch in Bau Can commune (Trang Bom district) shared that the branch has mobilized its members for a fund worth over VND200 million. Besides serving expenses of the branch’s activities, the fund is also used to support members suffering difficult circumstances to help them escape from poverty and to contribute gratitude activities / poverty reduction program. There are five members recognized as good production households in district level.

Each member would be an ambassador to propagandize and disseminate to Dong Nai citizens, especially the youth, about the Laos’ history, country, people, culture and constructive achievements as well as the traditional and faithful bond among two peoples.

It can be seen that the activities of the members of Vietnam - Laos Friendship Association not only contribute to nurturing a special love to this neighbor country, but also help each other to overcome the hurdles of life, actively responding to gratitude movements. Each member would become a bright example in preserving the security, order, good production and building a cultural family in their residential area.

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