(VOVWORLD) - Youth volunteer programs have delivered significant values to the public, said President Vo Van Thuong at a meeting with young volunteers in HCM City on Wednesday. President Thuong said generations of young people need to bring into play their youthful spirit to meet the growing demand in the new development period of Ho Chi Minh city and Vietnam.
 President Vo Van Thuong attends a program to honor youth volunteers (Photo: qdnd.vn) |
Since the “Summer Anti-Illiteracy Campaign” launched in 1994, various volunteer activities have rolled out across HCM City, attracting the participation of 5 million youths.
Over the past three decades, these volunteers have built 31,000 establishments, built or upgraded 7,720 houses, 870 kilometers of roads and 500 rural bridges, planted 650,000 trees, provided free health exams to 1.2 million people, donated 160,000 units of blood, and helped 2.7 million students sit major exams.
Aware of their efficiency, the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union Central Committee has launched other programs and campaigns nationwide, which have received an enthusiastic response from the young people.
President Vo Van Thuong himself has participated in many youth volunteer activities. He stressed that through practical volunteer activities, youths learn about Vietnam and provide useful service. This makes them more mature in their thinking, gives them insight into Vietnam’s progress, and teaches them how to support those in difficult circumstances.
 (Photo: doanthanhnien.vn) |
President Thuong said: “Nowadays, young people say impressive things like “go to grow” “people love you when you stay, miss you when you leave, and trust you” and “live not just for yourself”. These are the sentiments of the volunteer campaigns and the outcomes of the youth movements.”
President Thuong says that in the near future, Ho Chi Minh city needs to fulfill certain tasks to realize its growth aspirations. The President said he hopes the city's youth will continue to uphold their spirit of volunteerism and commitment to further contribute to local and national development.