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Vietnamese peacekeepers celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival with children at the House of Charity |
The event carried a message of compassion and solidarity, sharing love with underprivileged children while promoting Vietnam’s traditional culture and strengthening the friendship between the two nations.
In Vietnam, the Mid-Autumn Festival is symbolized by the full moon, representing reunion, happiness, and affection. It is a time when children receive gifts, parade with lanterns, play drums and lion dances, and enjoy mooncakes. These familiar traditions were recreated vividly in distant Bangui by Vietnamese peacekeepers, who sought to bring joy and care to children in a country still struggling with hardships due to conflict.
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Guiding children in drawing and coloring |
Speaking at the event, Lieutenant Colonel Duy Van Son, Head of the Vietnamese Working Group at MINUSCA, said, “We wish to bring not only joy to Central African children during this festival, but also to share the spirit of kindness and the traditional values of Vietnam, where children are always loved and cared for.”
After introducing the meaning of the Mid-Autumn Festival, the Vietnamese officers organized lively activities and played with the children. Many were delighted to learn how to make traditional Vietnamese spring rolls, carefully rolling and frying each one under the soldiers’ guidance before tasting their products.
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Sharing love through small yet meaningful actions and gifts |
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Teaching how to make Vietnam’s traditional spring rolls |
The peacekeepers also hosted folk games and guided the children in making lanterns and coloring pictures. With colored paper, crayons, scissors, and glue, children crafted bright, charming star-shaped lanterns. As night fell, the glowing lanterns lit up the courtyard, reflecting children’s smiles and excitement. Ten-year-old Gimba, who joined games like tug-of-war and musical chairs, said, “I’m very happy to play with the Vietnamese soldiers. This is my first time celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival. I love the lanterns, they shine beautifully like the moon.”
On this occasion, the Vietnamese peacekeepers prepared practical gifts, including books, school supplies, toys, sweets, and lanterns. These simple presents, wrapped with care and affection, carried the warmth and humanity of Vietnam’s “Uncle Ho’s soldiers.” Major To Ngoc Anh, a team member, shared, “Many children here have never had a festival of their own. Seeing their smiles reminds us of the true value of spreading love and joy. This Mid-Autumn Festival has become more meaningful to us than ever.”
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Simple but practical gifts for disadvantaged children |
The event received support from local authorities and MINUSCA units. Representatives of the House of Charity expressed heartfelt gratitude, emphasizing that the program not only brought happiness to the children but also served as a cultural bridge between Vietnam and the Central African Republic. They noted that amidst the country’s many social and economic difficulties, the compassion, warm smiles, and generosity of the Vietnamese peacekeepers left a deep and lasting impression on the local community.
By Huyen Anh (from Central Africa)
Translated by Tran Hoai