Children from Viet Nam, Laos and Cambodia gathered yesterday, July 24, at HCM City's Nha Rong Wharf to take part in a five-day International Children's Summer Camp.

More than 150 students from Cambodia, Laos and Viet Nam tour HCM City yesterday on the occasion of a five-day International Children Summer Camp. (Photo: VNS)

The camp, whose theme is Vong Tay Be Ban (Embracing the Arms of Friends), is for children aged 12 to 15 who have achieved excellent results in their studies and social-activity performances.

The camp aims to promote a better understanding among the children, who are natives of seven provinces in the three countries.

During the camp, the children will participate in cultural-exchange programmes on five topics: Hoi Tu (Convergence), Thu Thach (Challenges), Truong Thanh (Maturity), Dau An (Lasting Memories) and Huu Nghi (Friendship).

During the opening ceremony, the children paid floral tributes to the late President Ho Chi Minh at Nha Rong Wharf where he first departed the country in his quest for national liberation, and watched a documentary film about Uncle Ho. They also took part in a group drawing contest.

At this year' camp, the children will visit the city's tallest building, the Bitexco Financial Tower, Thu Thiem Tunnel, War Remnants Museum and Sac Forest, a former revolutionary base in HCM City's suburban Can Gio District. They will also tour the Cu Chi Tunnels and Ben Duoc Temple.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Tran Thi Dieu Thuy, deputy secretary of the HCM City's Youth Union, said the camp was an excellent opportunity for the children to understand more about the each other's people and culture.

Ith Rayuth, 15, from Phnom Penh, said the camp would give him a chance to make new friends and understand more about Viet Nam and Laos.

A 13-year-old participant from Vientiane said that he was "very excited to join the activities. I really like the Vietnamese children because they have all been friendly and helpful to me."

The first international children's summer camp was held in HCM City two years ago.

Source: VNS