(VOVworld) – The Vietnam Summer Camp 2013 under the theme “10 years-the call of the homeland” kicked off in the northern province of Ha Giang on Sunday. Nearly 200 outstanding young Vietnamese living in 24 countries have returned home to attend the program. Organized annually by the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs and the Foreign Ministry, this program aims to help young overseas Vietnamese understand the history and culture of their homeland, and strengthen their attachment to their country.

Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Thanh Son opening the program

Deputy Foreign Minister and Head of the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs Nguyen Thanh Son said this year’s program will help the young overseas Vietnamese learn more about the country’s culture through a number of activities.

They will pay tribute to war martyrs at the martyrs’ cemetery in Vi Xuyen district, meet with youngsters of Ha Giang province, and visit Thanh Thuy national border gate. Pham Khanh Ly is studying international relations in Shanghai, China: “We are very moved to be here and pay tribute to the martyrs. This cemetery is big, meaning that many soldiers had died for the nation. We could not imagine their sacrifices if we hadn’t come here.”

Many of the students said they hoped to return to Vietnam to contribute to building the homeland after graduation. The Vietnam Summer Camp 2013 will take place from July 11^th to 30^th in 9 provinces across the country.