Graduate student Ton That Canh Nhan, a bridge connecting with Cuba
WVR - Receiving a scholarship under the educational cooperation agreement of the Cuban Government, Ton That Canh Nhan, a graduate student in Pharmacy at the University of Havana, not only dedicates himself to his studies but also becomes a small yet persistent bridge, contributing to nurturing the special friendship between Vietnam and Cuba.
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| Ton That Canh Nhan is currently in his final year of a Master's program at the Institute of Pharmacy and Food, University of Havana. |
In a conversation with The World & Vietnam Report, Ton That Canh Nhan frequently mentioned the word “destiny” when discussing his journey to Cuba. That path began with a scholarship agreement – a gateway that brought the Vietnamese student to a land halfway around the world from his homeland.
“From the start, I identified Cuba as a suitable environment for the field of Pharmacy I am pursuing. But when I actually set foot here, everything exceeded my expectations,” Canh Nhan shared.
Canh Nhan's first impression of Cuba was not only its ancient architecture or famous beaches but also the slow, peaceful rhythm of life and the openness of its people. There, conversations between strangers could last for hours, without calculation or distance.
And for Vietnamese like Canh Nhan, Cuba offers an even more special emotion. He recounted, “There were times when I was walking down the street, and upon learning that I was Vietnamese, locals would unexpectedly shout 'Ho Chi Minh'. That moment truly moved me, as it was not just recognition but affection and respect for my country.”
Overcoming all distances
Living and studying in Cuba, Canh Nhan had the opportunity to observe more deeply the social life of this Caribbean island nation. What impressed him was not only the friendliness but also the revolutionary spirit and resilient will preserved through generations.
According to him, the faith of the Cuban people in the State and the ideals that leader Fidel Castro established is a crucial factor in maintaining the country's stability, despite facing numerous challenges. “In Cuba, one can clearly feel the bond between people and a common ideal. It is not something distant but is present in the way they live and face challenges,” Canh Nhan noted.
This foundation is also one of the profound similarities between Cuba and Vietnam – two countries that have experienced war and have overcome countless hardships to protect their independence and sovereignty.
In Canh Nhan's story, the phrase “special affection” between Vietnam and Cuba is not an abstract concept but is manifested through very specific slices of life.
On major Vietnamese holidays such as National Day, President Ho Chi Minh's birthday, or other important anniversaries, Cuba often organizes solemn activities with the participation of high-ranking leaders and a large number of citizens.
“What impresses me is the sincerity. A country geographically far away but deeply concerned about Vietnam's events. This cannot exist without the foundation of special affection between the two peoples,” he said.
Conversely, Vietnam has always stood by Cuba in difficult times. From sending agricultural experts to assist in production to organizing fundraising activities, all demonstrate a bond that is more “brotherly” than a typical relationship between two nations.
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| Vietnamese students in Cuba lay flowers at Ho Chi Minh Park to commemorate his birthday. |
Connecting through youth organizations
Beyond academics, Ton That Canh Nhan actively participates in youth organization activities and is currently a member of the Executive Committee of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union in Cuba.
For him, the Union is not merely a social organization but a place that connects the community of overseas students, creating spaces for young people to express their responsibility towards their homeland.
Currently, the Youth Union in Cuba has 37 members, divided into 3 sub-unions based on their living and studying locations. Although the number is not large, the activities are quite diverse and practical.
“We participate in welcoming delegations from Vietnam, organize student Tet celebrations, commemorate the founding of the Union, celebrate Uncle Ho's birthday… These activities help preserve cultural identity and foster connections among young people,” Canh Nhan stated.
In the conditions far from the homeland, maintaining Union activities is not always easy. Geographical differences, limited material conditions, and academic pressures are constant challenges. However, according to Canh Nhan, these difficulties only strengthen the bond among union members. “Every month, the sub-unions meet to discuss the situation, share difficulties, and find ways to support each other. We may not solve everything, but at least everyone feels they are not alone,” he said.
Young “Ambassadors”
One of the things that the young man is most proud of when talking about the Vietnamese student community in Cuba is the positive image that young people have built in the eyes of international friends.
According to him, diligence, a progressive spirit, and a friendly attitude are common traits easily observed. Not only focusing on studies, many students actively participate in cultural exchange activities, connecting with local students. “We are always aware that we represent not only ourselves but also the image of Vietnam. Every action, every behavior can contribute to creating an impression of the country,” Canh Nhan shared.
Conversely, Cuban people also have special affection for Vietnamese students. Their friendliness, willingness to help, and respectful attitude seem to bridge the geographical distance. Relationships built from classrooms and daily life over time become strong connections between the youth of the two countries.
For Ton That Canh Nhan, learning is not just about acquiring professional knowledge. He believes that the study abroad journey is also a process of developing courage, a sense of responsibility, and the ability to integrate.
“The Youth Union in Cuba always guides students not only to study well but also to live positively and participate in communal activities. Through this, everyone will better understand their role in the community,” he said.
The combination of study and social activities has helped Canh Nhan and many other students accumulate valuable experiences, serving as essential baggage for the future. Young people like him are contributing to creating a class of “people's ambassadors” who tirelessly foster relations between nations.
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| Vietnamese students interact with the Havana Youth Union. |
Without grand gestures or grand declarations, the journey of nurturing the Vietnam-Cuba friendship by Ton That Canh Nhan and the students here begins with very simple things: studying well, living decently, preserving identity, and being ready to connect.
Thousands of kilometers away from home, in a country distant in geography but close in affection, young Vietnamese are contributing daily to deepening the special relationship between the two nations, a relationship tested by history and continually nurtured by today's generations.
