Nguyen Hoang Nam Khanh: A young cultural ambassador for Vietnam in France
WVR - Driven by a deep passion for sharing Vietnamese culture, Nguyen Hoang Nam Khanh, also known as Kevin Nguyen, has been visiting schools across France to introduce students to Vietnam’s rich heritage.
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The image of a young Vietnamese boy in a traditional ao dai, passionately sharing stories of his homeland, has become a beloved sight among French students.
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| Nam Khanh introduces Vietnamese culture to French students. (Photo provided by the character) |
Having lived in France since the age of two, Nam Khanh often encountered questions from classmates that reflected common misconceptions about Vietnam. “People would ask me things like, ‘Do most people still work in rice fields?’ Some even wondered if Vietnam had mobile phones!” he recalled.
Determined to present a more accurate and dynamic image of his homeland, he began showcasing Vietnam as a modern nation with deep historical roots and vibrant traditions. “I want people to love Vietnam as much as I do, for its diversity and beauty. Every time I share Vietnamese culture, I feel even more connected to my homeland,” he said.
His journey as a young speaker began in fifth grade, initially by assisting his mother with her lessons, then gradually taking the lead in presentations. “At first, I was just helping my mom, but after a few sessions, I convinced her to let me present on my own. I felt so proud to tell my classmates about Vietnamese food, beautiful landscapes, and unique traditions of my country,” he shared.
Nam Khanh carefully prepares for each session, bringing along items like bottles of fish sauce, miniature cyclos, Vietnamese books, and Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year) symbols such as lucky money envelopes. One of his memorable moments was when he wore an ao dai to class. “When I walked in, my classmates were surprised and asked why I was wearing a dress! I clarified that it’s a traditional Vietnamese outfit. Afterward, I let them try it on, and they were amazed at how elegant and comfortable it was.”
In October 2024, Nam Khanh’s dedication was recognized when he was presented with the Young Achiever of the Year award at the Vietnam International Awards in London. “Receiving this award showed me that my work has made an impact. It gave me even more motivation to continue sharing Vietnamese culture.”
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| Nam Khanh received the Young Achiever of the Year award at the Vietnam International Awards ceremony in London, the UK on October 20, 2024. (Photo provided by the character) |
Last year, he was invited to share his insights with a group of fifth graders about children’s rights. Instead of a standard lecture, he chose to tell them a folktale from his country called “The Legend of the Watermelon”, so that the students not only learned about their rights to be loved and heard, but also discovered a new Vietnamese story.
So far, he has introduced Vietnamese culture to students of all ages, from kindergarten to high school, at around 16 schools in different cities across France. After a six-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he finally returned to Vietnam. “Coming back this time felt even more special. I was more motivated; it truly felt like coming home,” he shared.
Nam Khanh looks forward to continuing his role as a cultural ambassador, strengthening connections between Vietnam, France, and beyond. His goal was not only to introduce Vietnamese traditions but also to create meaningful connections between the two nations and the wider world, hoping to highlight each culture’s unique beauty.
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