(VOVworld) – 900 students from universities nationwide participated in the “Students and Vietnam’s sea and islands” program in Phu Quoc and Tho Chu islands in Kien Giang province from May 15-18. They joined a series of activities such as erecting a flag pole in Tho Chu island, visiting historical sites, and organizing voluntary activities in the community. The program inspired the students’ patriotism and love for the national sea and islands and enhanced their sense of responsibility for national defense.

(photo: vietnamnet.vn)

The high speed boat Supperdong departed from rach Gia sea port carrying 900 students to Phu Quoc island to attend the “Students and Vietnam’s sea and islands 2014”. The students shared the same feelings. Nguyen Viet Trang from the Hanoi University of Transport: “I’m very glad. This is a great experience and an opportunity for students to contribute our efforts to strengthen the national sea and islands.”

The program is part of a range of activities for students nationwide organized by the Vietnamese Students Support and Development Centre. The students have engaged in many important activities toward Vietnam’s sovereignty over the islands in the East Sea. The center’s Director Nguyen Minh Triet said: “All activities in the program focus on Vietnam’s sea and islands. They built something to mark Vietnam’s sovereignty on any island they visited. Last year, the Association of Vietnamese students built a flag pole on Ly Son island. We are trying to expand our activities.

During a camping trip to Phu Quoc island, the students met with former prisoners in Phu Quoc prison who told them their stories as part of the struggle for national independence. The students presented gifts to fishermen, social beneficiaries and scholarships for poor children, cleaned the beaches, and met with local soldiers and marine police. Quach Thuy Trang is from the University of Law: “Students should show their responsibility towards national construction by studying hard while getting involved in the sea and islands development programs. In a contest on the sea and islands, the students from Hanoi proposed measures to supply fresh water and build a sea dam for economic development.”  

Le An Huu Vinh, a forth year student of HCM city’s Economics University, said that his journeys to these islands have helped him better understand of the soldiers and local people’s hardship. Vinh is more determined to soon complete his research projects on salt production and seaport development to help develop these islands. “As soon as I arrived on Phu Quoc island, I said to myself that Vietnam’s sea and islands are so beautiful with amazing landscape. Our team from Ho Chi Minh City has brought with us creative models and solutions to help develop our sea and islands, and show our patriotism, love for peace, and resolute determination to protect national territorial integrity.”

The students, all in T-shirts bearing the Vietnamese red flag and yellow star, arranged themselves to shape the words “Pride of Vietnam’s sea and islands” as a way to express their profound patriotism.