The National Commendation Ceremony for Outstanding Ethnic Minority Students and Youth is more than just an event to honor achievements  -  it is a celebration of resilience and a driving force spreading the spirit of learning across Vietnam’s highland communities.

A source of pride for families and villages

In many provinces, including Quang Ninh, every ethnic minority student honored at the national level becomes a symbol of pride for their families and communities. Their stories embody the transformative power of knowledge and education.

Trieu Quy Trinh, a respected elder in Nam Kim hamlet (Ba Che commune), vividly recalls his feelings in 2022 when Nguyen Thao Vy, a Dao student from the former Ba Che district, was named among 142 outstanding ethnic minority youth recognized nationwide. The ceremony was organized by the Committee for Ethnic Affairs (now the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs), in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Training and the Central Youth Union (now part of the Vietnam Fatherland Front).

“Our people hold knowledge in high regard, but life is still hard. So when one of our children gets recognized, it is a collective pride. Their success is also a way to preserve the dignity of our ethnic heritage,” Trinh said.

For teachers in remote areas, student achievements are a testament to the school’s dedication and quality of education. Nguyen Thi Lan, principal of Quang Ha High School (Quang Ha commune), expressed her joy when 12th-grade student Hoang Tieu Lam was honored in the 2024 ceremony. Despite economic and educational challenges, Lam achieved an impressive 29.6 on her graduation exam and was accepted to Hanoi National University of Education.

“When we saw our student being honored among the best, it deepened our love for this profession. It shows that even in disadvantaged areas, with effort and perseverance, students can achieve great things. We always use these role models to motivate and inspire other students,” Lan shared.

Spreading a culture of learning in ethnic communities

Held annually and broadcast live, the Commendation Ceremony has, over its 11 years, become a widely anticipated event, fostering a greater appreciation for education among ethnic communities. Local officials and teachers agree that it has positively influenced how highland families view schooling. For households still struggling financially, the success of these young individuals is the clearest evidence of the value of education.

San A Sui, Head of the Fatherland Front Committee in Po Hen hamlet (Hai Son commune), believes every honoree is like “a good seed” nurturing the future of their village.

“It’s a signal for local authorities to continue investing in education and encouraging families to keep their children in school,” he emphasized.

The ceremony’s impact reaches beyond attendees. On social media platforms and forums, ethnic minority readers and parents express heartfelt pride and emotion when seeing these youth rise above their circumstances.

Ly Van Hung, a resident of Luong Minh commune, shared: “My children are in school, so I’ve watched the ceremony a few times. It brings back memories of my own schooling journey. Policies are better now, and education is more supported. I believe these kids will bring back knowledge to uplift their hometowns.”

Inspiring change, building confidence, and shaping the future

More than just a morale boost, the ceremony helps reinforce belief among ethnic families in the power of learning. For many, each certificate and each story of resilience proves that education is the most direct path to changing their lives.

Over the years, the National Commendation Ceremony for Outstanding Ethnic Minority Students and Youth has evolved from a celebratory event into a source of lasting inspiration. It nurtures dreams born in remote villages and supports the emergence of a generation of confident, knowledgeable young people eager to contribute to their communities and the nation.

My Dung