The activities were to mark the 51st anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification Day (April 30, 1975 - 2026) and International Labor Day (May 1).
They were jointly carried out by working groups from the Ministry of National Defense, the Ministry of Public Security, and Vietnam’s Level-2 Field Hospital Rotation 7 stationed in Bentiu.
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Vietnamese female peacekeepers and international colleagues take part in the “Conical hat decoration” program. |
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An overview of the cultural exchange program entitled “Conical hat decoration” |
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Vietnamese female officers guide international colleagues in decorating conical hats. |
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International friends are interested in Vietnam’s traditional conical hats. |
A highlight of the program was the cultural exchange entitled “Conical hat decoration,” showcasing one of Vietnam’s distinctive traditional cultural symbols, with the participation of female officers from the United Nations Military Observers (UNMO), United Nations Police (UNPOL), and partner units from Mongolia, Ghana, and Pakistan.
The activity created a vibrant multicultural exchange space, strengthened solidarity, and promoted the role of women in peacekeeping operations. The event also incorporated awareness-raising activities on the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) in line with U.N. guidelines.
Alongside cultural exchanges, Vietnamese peacekeepers organized civil-military outreach and humanitarian activities in the Protection of Civilians (POC) site in Bentiu. These included assembling and presenting five sets of desks and chairs and ten sleeping platforms made from recycled materials; using off-duty time to improve local living conditions; and providing essential supplies such as 50 sets of school materials, 100 clothing packages, 300 bottles of mosquito repellent, 50 bottles of hand sanitizer, and 150 bottles of handwashing solution to meet basic needs in education, daily life, and disease prevention.
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Representatives of the Vietnamese peacekeeping force present gifts to children and residents at the Bentiu POC site. |
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A female peacekeeper interacts with South Sudanese children. |
The Vietnamese blue berets also shared practical knowledge with local residents on utilizing available materials to create useful household items, thereby raising awareness of thrifty practice and improving locals’ living conditions despite ongoing hardships.
During exchanges, Vietnamese officers and soldiers introduced international colleagues and local residents to the historical significance of April 30, the Liberation of the South and National Reunification Day, an important milestone in Vietnam’s struggle for independence, unity, and development. These stories, conveyed in a simple and approachable manner, helped international friends gain a deeper understanding of Vietnam’s tradition of peace, solidarity, and resilience.
Throughout the activities, large numbers of local residents actively participated and engaged in a friendly and open atmosphere.
Simple but meaningful activities helped strengthen trust and deepen bonds between Vietnamese peacekeepers and the host community.
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During break times, personnel of Level-2 Field Hospital Rotation 7 assemble desks and chairs for students. |
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Wooden planks from cargo crates are used to make desks and chairs. |
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Vietnamese military and police officers pose for photos with local children and residents. |
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Representatives of the Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of Public Security working groups present gifts reflecting solidarity, coordination, and commitment to joint peacekeeping missions in the area. |
By Tien Phuc (from South Sudan)
Translated by Mai Huong