Closing Ceremony of the 2025 UEH Volunteer Campaign – Vinh Long Province Front: Concluding a Journey of Pride, Igniting Knowledge and Aspirations to Serve

22 Jul, 2025

On July 19, 2025, at the Administrative Center of Cai Nhum Commune, Vinh Long Province, the Command Committee of the 2025 UEH Volunteer Campaign held its Closing Ceremony, marking the conclusion of a meaningful journey and reflecting on the remarkable achievements co-created by the youth of UEH.

More than a mere summary event, the ceremony served as a powerful affirmation of UEH students' pioneering spirit and dedication to community service. Through their efforts, they made substantial contributions to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and actively participated in shaping inclusive, creative, and professional spaces for learning and community engagement—spaces that foster the holistic development of mind, body, and character.

On the side of Vinh Long provincial leadership, the program was honored to welcome:

Comrade Nguyễn Thị Minh Trang – Member of the Standing Committee, Head of the Provincial Party Committee's Propaganda and Mass Mobilization Commission; Comrade Mai Thanh Hồ – Deputy Secretary of the Vinh Long Provincial Youth Union.

From the side of the UEH Party Committee and Board of Management, and affiliated and subordinate units, participants included: Prof. Dr. Nguyễn Đông Phong – Chairman of the UEH University Council; Prof. Dr. Sử Đình Thành – President of UEH University; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phan Thị Bích Nguyệt – Chairwoman of the Strategic and Policy Advisory Council; Prof. Dr. Nguyễn Khắc Quốc Bảo – Secretary of the Party Committee, Vice President of UEH; Dr. Đinh Công Khải – Vice President of UEH; Dr. Thái Kim Phụng – Vice Rector of UEH College of Technology and Design; MA. Lê Đồng Dư – Deputy Chief of the Standing Office of UEH University Office; MA. Hồ Thiện Quyền – Vice Director of UEH Mekong; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hoàng Hải Yến – Dean of the School of Banking.

From the side of local authorities, the ceremony was attended by comrades who are leaders of the Communal Party Committees, People's Councils, People's Committees, and the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committees, along with representatives from various agencies, departments, and mass organizations in the three communes where the Green Summer volunteers were stationed.

Distinguished delegates attending the program

Honoring the Journey and Igniting the Future

On behalf of the Party Committee and the Board of Management of the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH), Prof. Dr. Nguyễn Khắc Quốc Bảo delivered an inspiring speech. He emphasized that volunteerism is the eternal flame of youth, and that the Green Summer Campaign is not merely a campaign, but rather a “classroom without walls” where student volunteers learn one of life’s greatest lessons: how to be human.

He expressed deep pride in the volunteers, noting that they brought not only knowledge or infrastructure improvements, but more importantly, a burning desire to create change, to build trust, and to give wings to the dreams of peaceful rural communities. Concluding his speech, he encouraged the student volunteers to carry the spirit of the Green Summer back with them to their academic life and everyday experiences, and warmly expressed his hope to see them again in the Green Summer Campaign 2026.

Prof. Dr. Nguyễn Khắc Quốc Bảo delivering an inspiring speech to student volunteers at the Closing Ceremony

Acknowledging the meaningful and practical contributions of the campaign to the local community, Comrade Nguyễn Thị Minh Trang – Member of the Standing Committee, Head of the Propaganda and Mass Mobilization Commission of the Vinh Long Provincial Party Committee – delivered a speech on behalf of the provincial leadership at the ceremony.

She expressed her sincere appreciation for the projects and initiatives brought by the campaign and highly valued the efforts of the local authorities in creating favorable conditions for the student volunteers to experience and immerse themselves in the local way of life.

Comrade Trang emphasized that the success of the campaign was the result of close coordination among leadership at all levels, the enthusiastic spirit of the students, and the continued support and collaboration from the local community.

Comrade Nguyễn Thị Minh Trang delivering a speech to acknowledge the meaningful contributions of the campaign and the valuable support from the local community

Also at the ceremony, Comrade Nguyễn Huỳnh Thu – Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairwoman of the People's Council of Nhon Phu Commune, representing the three communes where the Green Summer volunteers were stationed, delivered a heartfelt message on behalf of the local communities that accompanied the campaign.

Her remarks were not only a sincere expression of gratitude but also a strong affirmation of the enduring connection and deep appreciation from local residents for the dedicated efforts and meaningful contributions made by the UEH student volunteers throughout the campaign.

Representing the three communes where Green Summer volunteers were stationed, Comrade Nguyễn Huỳnh Thu expressed deep appreciation and affirmed the strong bond with the youth of UEH

Recognizing and Commending the Volunteer Spirit and Dedication of UEH Student Volunteers

As part of the Closing Ceremony, in recognition of the wholehearted contributions and tireless efforts of individuals and teams throughout the volunteer activities in Vinh Long Province, the Campaign Command Committee and local authorities presented awards to individuals who had made outstanding contributions during the campaign.

All Green Summer student volunteers were honored to receive certificates of merit from the Chairpersons of the People's Committees of the three communes where they were stationed: Cai Nhum, Tan Long Hoi, and Nhon Phu. These acknowledgments serve as a valuable testament to the volunteers’ relentless dedication, perseverance, and sense of responsibility in carrying out meaningful projects and community initiatives.

Representatives from the core volunteer teams across various local activity clusters took to the stage to receive the commendations, accompanied by enthusiastic applause from the entire assembly hall. These awards were not only tokens of encouragement, but also heartfelt expressions of gratitude from the local government and communities to the young generation of UEH.

Commendation of outstanding student volunteers for their exemplary achievements during the campaign

Emotional Footage: Memories of an Unforgettable Green Summer

In the heartfelt atmosphere of the Closing Ceremony, all volunteers came together to relive their most cherished memories through a specially prepared video clip. Though this year’s campaign may have been shorter in duration, each moment and memory was profound enough to leave a lasting imprint in the hearts of every volunteer.

The video not only recaptured scenes of hard-working hours on community projects and modest shared meals, but also presented an authentic narrative of team spirit, of shared emotions, and of stories told through laughter and tears. It was a meaningful Green Summer, where the youth of UEH journeyed together, experienced together, and wrote unforgettable stories of their vibrant youth — a season of life etched in their memories forever.

Emotions of Student Volunteers While Watching the Campaign’s Emotional Video Clip During the Green Summer Days

A particularly powerful and symbolic highlight of the Closing Ceremony was the “Flame Calling” ritual, a solemn and deeply meaningful moment. At the heart of the ceremonial ground stood three towering flame pillars, waiting to be ignited—each representing one of the three core values embedded in the UEH motto, a phrase that accompanied every student volunteer throughout the campaign, emblazoned on their iconic green jackets.

The ritual was carried out by representatives from UEH leadership, Vinh Long provincial authorities, and the Campaign Command Committee. As the crowd held its breath, three solemn countdowns echoed through the venue, culminating in the lighting of three blazing flames.

This moment not only marked the official conclusion of a successful campaign, but also served as a powerful call to action, reigniting the flame of commitment and passion in each volunteer. It was a symbolic charge to carry forward the spirit of UEH youth, continuing to serve, to inspire, and to spread the positive values of dedication and community contribution far and wide.

Prof. Dr. Nguyễn Khắc Quốc Bảo, Comrade Nguyễn Thị Minh Trang, and MA. Nguyễn Thị Thương Nhớ performing the Flame Calling ritual

The first flame, named “Unleashing Creativity,” symbolizes the spirit of boundless innovation, spreading a drive for renewal and effectiveness in service of the community.

Following that was the “Empowered Futures” flame, representing the courage to take initiative, the readiness to shape one’s own path, and the aspiration to make active and meaningful contributions to society.

The final flame, “Holistic Values,” underscores UEH’s commitment to a comprehensive educational philosophy—developing learners intellectually, physically, and spiritually within a rich, experiential, and sustainable environment. It aims to ensure that each volunteer not only grows in critical thinking but also matures in spirit and responsibility.

Campfire Ceremony Atmosphere

Affirming the Spirit of Dedication and Practical Impact

Over the past days, student volunteers stationed in the three localities of Cai Nhum, Tan Long Hoi, and Nhon Phu communes have worked tirelessly and passionately, striving to deliver high-quality community projects. In addition to their manual labor, they devoted time and energy to carefully planning and implementing meaningful programs for local children and youth. To reflect on this proud journey and the moments of meaningful companionship, a comprehensive summary report was presented, highlighting impressive figures and the tangible values that UEH youth have generated.

In Phase 1 of the 2025 UEH Green Summer Volunteer Campaign in Vinh Long Province, the total value of completed projects and activities was proudly recorded at VND 1,040,000,000, covering a wide range of impactful initiatives:

– Social welfare initiatives:

  • 85 scholarships were awarded to children.

  • 82 gift sets were distributed to policy beneficiary families, spreading warmth and joy across the community.

– Rural infrastructure development:

  • 8 “Light Up Rural Roads” projects were completed, installing 341 solar-powered lamps along a total of 10,850 meters, contributing to improved security and traffic safety.

  • 4 rural road improvement projects were completed with a total length of 2,000 meters, enhancing mobility and promoting local trade.

  • Financial and human resources were mobilized to renovate a house of compassion, supporting livelihood stability for a disadvantaged family.

– Education and environmental sustainability:

  • A school canopy project was donated, along with a water purifier and 1,500 notebooks to support better learning conditions for local children.

  • Volunteers helped clear and beautify 8 youth-designed flower road projects, with a projected length of 18 kilometers, creating a greener, cleaner, and more beautiful landscape.

  • Funding and manpower were provided to plant flowers along roads in all three communes.

  • In partnership with UEH Mekong, the campaign also organized the career orientation event “UNI on the go” for high school students across the Mekong Delta region on July 18, 2025, opening future opportunities for the local youth.

In addition, the campaign included "Peak Days" at the commune level, in response to the Local Children and Youth Week. In total, the campaign featured:

  • 30 peak-day events for children across all locations

  • 16 “Volunteering Saturdays” and “Green Sundays”

  • 4 cultural programs reaching over 10,000 children in the active areas

During these events, volunteers awarded scholarships, school supplies, and gifts to underprivileged and disabled students, organized summer review classes, life skills sessions, and hosted competitions and sports events to enrich the cultural life of both locals and volunteers. The commune-level peak days were well-coordinated, showcasing unity, close collaboration, and strong local impact.

The summary report, more than just a collection of numbers, serves as a living testament to the pioneering spirit, responsibility, and compassionate hearts of UEH’s youth.

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