Young overseas Vietnamese strengthen ties to their roots in visiting President Ho Chi Minh's hometown

The programme was attended by Dr. Do Ngoc Van, Director of the Institute for Social Issues Research; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Lan Trung, Standing Vice President and Secretary-General of the Association for Liaison with Vietnamese People Abroad; and linguist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thien Nam.

Representing Nghe An Province were Mr. Vo Van Cuong, Deputy Head of the Administrative and General Affairs Division of the Nghe An Department of Foreign Affairs; Mr. Le Van Hop, Standing Committee Member of the Party Committee and Vice Chairman of the Kim Lien Commune People's Committee; and Mr. Lam Dinh Hung and Mr. Ha Van Vinh, Deputy Directors of the Kim Lien Relic Site.

Also attending were Mr. Pham Dinh Thuong, President of the Vietnamese Association in Saitama and Head of the Organising Committee of the 2026 Vietnamese Speech Contest; Mr. Tran Thanh Long, Deputy Head of the Organising Committee; Ms. Truong Ngoc Minh Dang, founder of the "Travelling the World with My Child" project; Ms. Phan Thi My Dung, representing Pinola; People's Artist Ms. Thanh Hoa; members of the organising committee and judging panel of the 2026 Vietnamese Speech Contest; parents; and contestants from Japan.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Do Ngoc Van, Director of the Institute for Social Issues Research, emphasised that the Vietnamese Speech Contest for Vietnamese students in Japan is not merely a language competition. It also helps nurture the younger generation's cultural identity, preserve their connection to their roots and foster a sense of national identity among Vietnamese children born and raised abroad.

According to him, the Vietnamese language preserves history, traditions and culture, while serving as a bridge between the homeland and the countries where Vietnamese people live, between generations within families and with the nation's roots.

"After this journey, each of you will take home not only beautiful memories, but also pride, love for the Vietnamese language and the aspiration to become global citizens with a strong Vietnamese identity", Dr. Do Ngoc Van said. He expressed his hope that the children would become "cultural ambassadors", helping preserve the Vietnamese language, promote national culture and share the image of Viet Nam with international friends.

Mr. Pham Dinh Thuong, President of the Vietnamese Association in Saitama and Head of the Organising Committee of the 2026 Vietnamese Speech Contest, said the "Back to Our Roots – Following in Uncle Ho's Footsteps" journey was an extension of the contest, bringing contestants from Japan back to Viet Nam to experience first-hand places associated with the country's history, culture and President Ho Chi Minh. Through these experiences, the organisers hoped to help the children gain a deeper understanding of their homeland and roots.

"We hope that after this journey, the children will not only speak Vietnamese better or write Vietnamese better, but more importantly, gain a deeper understanding of what the words 'Viet Nam' mean in their own hearts", Mr. Pham Dinh Thuong said.

The Appreciation and Recognition Ceremony was one of the highlights of the "Back to Our Roots – Following in Uncle Ho's Footsteps" journey. It recognised the contributions and support of agencies, organisations, institutions and individuals who helped make the 2026 Vietnamese Speech Contest and other activities aim at connecting with the homeland a success.

The organisers also honoured outstanding contestants and representatives of a younger generation of overseas Vietnamese who are helping preserve and promote the Vietnamese language, uphold the nation's cultural identity and introduce Viet Nam to international audiences.

Seven-year-old Trinh Quynh Nhu, winner of Category B at the 2026 Vietnamese Speech Contest, said: "I am very happy and moved to receive this recognition in my maternal family's hometown of Nghe An. Most importantly, I have fulfilled the wish of my late grandfather, which was to speak Vietnamese on the very land where our family comes from".

Ten-year-old Tran Vu Hanh My, who won the Special Prize at the 2026 Vietnamese Speech Contest, said she maintains her Vietnamese by doing simple things in everyday life, such as speaking Vietnamese with her grandparents and parents and reading Vietnamese stories every day.

Hanh My also said: "I hope Vietnamese children living abroad can also use Vietnamese to communicate with their grandparents and relatives, so that they can learn more about Vietnamese culture and history and develop a deeper love for their homeland".

As part of the journey, the delegation visited and interacted with children being cared for at SOS Children's Village Vinh and presented them with meaningful gifts. The delegation also provided support to the Kim Lien Commune Study Promotion Fund.

These activities encouraged children facing difficult circumstances, supported their pursuit of education and determination to overcome challenges, and conveyed a message of solidarity among Vietnamese people at home and abroad.

"Back to Our Roots – Following in Uncle Ho's Footsteps" was more than an experiential trip. It was an educational journey designed to nurture love for the homeland, foster national pride and inspire a sense of responsibility among young overseas Vietnamese towards their roots. Through concrete activities, the programme contributes to the goal of building a united and prosperous overseas Vietnamese community that preserves its national cultural identity and remains connected to the homeland.