Enhancing people-to-people diplomacy activities

For many consecutive years, the Association has organized meetings to celebrate the anniversaries of diplomatic events between the two countries, in conjunction with International French Language Day, France's National Day and cultural exchange activities, including commemorations of the 45th, 46th, 48th, 49th, and 50th Anniversaries of the Vietnam - France diplomatic relationship.

It is worth noting that the Association's activities are always supported by the Consulate General of France and the Campus France in Ho Chi Minh City, as well as non-governmental organizations of France. At each event, the Association combines various activities such as exhibitions, cultural exchanges, painting contests, overseas study consultation, etc ….

In 2018, on the occasion of the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and France, the Association invited Mr. Vincent Floreani, the French Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City to visit Nguyen Du Elementary School - the first French - language teaching school in Dong Nai (which was established 100 years ago).

Mr. Nguyen Thanh Tri - President of the Dong Nai province Union of Friendship Organizations, and Ms. Emmanuelle PAVILLON-GROSSER, the Consul General of France in Ho Chi Minh City.

In particular, to enhance exchanges between the two friendship associations (Vietnam - France; France - Vietnam), in 2019, the Association connected with Ms. Jeanne Goffinet, representative of the France - Vietnam Friendship Association (in Paris) to attend the celebration of International Francophonie Day and the 46th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and France, organized by the Association.

As one of the typical event in 2022, on the occasion of the International Francophonie Day and the 49th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and France, the Association strengthened its connection by inviting Ms. Emmanuelle PAVILLON-GROSSER, Consul General of France in Ho Chi Minh City (when she had just taken office in Vietnam) to attend and paid a courtesy visit to the leaders of Dong Nai province.

In general, the activities of the Association in recent years have been regularly carried out, serving as a bridge to enhance understandings, foster solidarity and cooperation between Vietnam and France in general, and between Dong Nai and French localities in particular. The Association has contributed to building a positive social foundation for peace, cooperation, and development between the two peoples.

Creating a playground to promote the French - speaking movement.

Since its establishment, the Association has quickly connected with the French Cultural Institute to request support for teaching and learning French in Dong Nai. In 2020, the France Campus donated hundreds of books and reference materials (in French) to the libraries of schools teaching French in the province. At the same time, the Association has facilitated registration for French language teachers to participate in French language training during summer, online classes, and other activities organized by the French Institute.

Mrs Emmanuelle PAVILLON-GROSSER, the Consul General of France in Ho Chi Minh City, presenting gifts to Dong Nai students studying French

Moreover, for many years, the Association has also organized France study consultancy meetings, helping many generations of students to choose the major for their future and use French as a useful tool in their career.

In addition, the Association has created playgrounds for students, especially by organizing many Painting Contests regarding the relationship between Vietnam and France. These contests have attracted a large number of student participants, and many parents and teachers have supported them wholeheartedly. They have truly become a useful playground for students. Thereby, they create more opportunities for students to learn about French culture and the Vietnam - France relationship, and also encourage the French language learning movement in Dong Nai province.

Students from Tran Bien High School (in Bien Hoa city) participating in the Painting Contest "Vietnam - France Friendship"

Ms. Nguyen Thi Kim Khanh, the principal of Thong Nhat Secondary School (Bien Hoa), said that since the establishment of the Vietnam - France Friendship Association in the province, teachers and students have participated in many meaningful activities. When the Association launched art and literature competitions, the majority of students eagerly took part in. I hope that the Association will continue to organize more events so that teachers and students have the opportunity to exchange and learn more about the culture of our French friends.