The programme, organised by the Ho Chi Minh City Youth Union, involved 102 sponsoring families and over 170 Lao and Cambodian students studying at universities, colleges, and academies in the city. This was an opportunity for the families and students to officially meet, connect, and support each other in their studies, daily life, and cultural exchange. This creates a close and warm living environment for international students during their studies in the city.
The year 2026 marks the first year of implementation for Project No. 02/DA-MTTQ-BTT dated October 9, 2025, of the Standing Committee of the Viet Nam Fatherland Front Committee of Ho Chi Minh City on organising the “Vietnamese Families with Lao and Cambodian Students in Ho Chi Minh City” programme for the 2026-2030 period.
The host family reception ceremony marks the beginning of a new phase of development with high expectations for improving the effectiveness of care and support for Lao and Cambodian students. This activity also contributes to deepening the traditional friendship and special solidarity between Viet Nam and Laos, and the friendly neighbourly relations and comprehensive cooperation between Viet Nam and Cambodia.
The programme not only supports students in their studies and lives but also serves as a practical form of people-to-people exchange, contributing to fostering the traditional solidarity and friendship between the people and the younger generations of the three countries: Viet Nam, Laos, and Cambodia.
Throughout the 2021-2025 period, the programme has gradually affirmed its significance and positive impact. During this time, 289 Vietnamese families sponsored 473 Lao and Cambodian students.
The programme organised numerous activities, including cultural exchanges, visits to historical sites, learning about revolutionary traditions, and experiencing the daily life of city residents. Simultaneously, it facilitated the participation of Lao and Cambodian students in local community, cultural, sports, and social welfare activities. The Vietnamese families became close companions, regularly showing concern, encouragement, and support for the students far from home.
