A valedictory conference held by the National Youth Union and the Vietnamese Students Association in Hanoi Wednesday morning noted that the volunteers had gone to every corner of the country, helping the poor build houses, roads, and bridges, and educating needy children, among other tasks.

The campaign also organized over 89,000 exchanges and entertainment events for three million children, and gave VND80 billion (US$4.96 million) to over 66,000 poor children.

There were programs like Voluntary Saturday and Green Sunday through which over 94,300 youths helped with environmental activities.

Over 30,000 volunteers donated 4,600 liters of blood.

An equal number participated in traffic safety programs and gave gifts worth VND6.2 billion ($385,000) to 64,800 families of war martyrs and war invalids and built them houses worth VND10.6 billion ($658,385).

Doctors and medical staff provided thousands of poor patients free healthcare and medicines.

The annual program also saw hundreds of volunteers traveling to Laos and Cambodia to help people there.

Also on Wednesday, the participants were commended at a ceremony held in Hanoi titled Youth Volunteers’ Itinerary.

Addressing the event, Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Sinh Hung hailed the youths’ voluntary spirit.

“The Youth Voluntary Summer Campaign not only showcases the youths’ will to contribute to society but also creates opportunities for them to train themselves.”

He promised the Communist Party and government’s backing for their efforts, especially in challenging tasks that called for courage.

Officials and over 100 youths from all over the country attended the ceremony.

Source: Tien Phong Online, HCMC Youth Union – Compiled by Luu Thi Hong