Son La City organized series of activities to honor the 3rd Vietnam book and reading culture day

WVR - Throughout the month of April, the city of Son La was alive with vibrant events commemorating the 3rd Vietnam book and reading culture day (April 21).
The delegates attended the 3rd Vietnam Book and Reading Culture Day. (Photo: Tran Duc Quyet)
The delegates attended the 3rd Vietnam Book and Reading Culture Day. (Photo: Tran Duc Quyet)

In Son La City, located in Son La Province, the festivities surrounding this cultural celebration extended far beyond a mere day or two, encompassing a rich and meaningful series of activities spanning from March 20 to the end of April, with plans to continue well into the future. These initiatives are integral to the overarching strategy aimed at fostering Son La City's transformation into a recognized hub of learning, a vision intricately intertwined with its recent designation by UNESCO as a member of the Global network of learning cities.

Mr. Ha Trung Chien, the Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee of Son La, delivered a speech at the 3rd Vietnam Book and Reading Culture Day. (Photo: Tran Duc Quyet)
Mr. Ha Trung Chien, the Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee of Son La, delivered a speech at the 3rd Vietnam Book and Reading Culture Day. (Photo: Tran Duc Quyet)

Significant and practical undertakings marked this period. On February 14, 2024, UNESCO officially proclaimed Son La City as a Global learning city. Subsequently, on March 19, 2024, the city successfully hosted a prestigious ceremony to honor its newfound status as a UNESCO global learning city. According to Mr. Ha Trung Chien, the Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee of Son La, UNESCO's recognition of Son La City as a member of the Global Learning City Network has sparked a robust wave of enthusiasm across all strata of society, inspiring a renewed dedication to lifelong learning and catalyzing further expansion of the city's educational initiatives.

Mr. Do Van Tru, the Chairman of the People's Committee of Son La City, delivered a speech at the 3rd Vietnam book and reading culture day. (Photo: Tran Duc Quyet)
Mr. Do Van Tru, the Chairman of the People's Committee of Son La City, delivered a speech at the 3rd Vietnam book and reading culture day. (Photo: Tran Duc Quyet)

Mr. Do Van Tru, the Chairman of the People's Committee of Son La City, revealed that the city had meticulously orchestrated a series of events in response to the 2024 Vietnam book and reading culture day, encompassing a diverse range of meaningful and practical activities that commenced in late March.

These endeavors were not only designed to celebrate the occasion but also aligned with the objectives outlined in the city's programs for the development of a Global learning city spanning the period from 2024 to 2030, as stipulated in Conclusion No. 1604-KL/TU issued on February 26, 2024, by the Standing Committee of the Provincial Party Committee of Son La.

Central to these efforts was the continued development and unveiling of the “the House of Wisdom” model, with 20 such establishments already operational across 12 communes/wards, serving as vibrant community hubs and attractive centers of communal activity for local residents.

A Thai language class at a House of Wisdom. (Photo: Tran Duc Quyet)
A Thai language class at a House of Wisdom. (Photo: Tran Duc Quyet)
A Thai language class at a House of Wisdom. (Photo: Tran Duc Quyet)
A Thai language class at a House of Wisdom. (Photo: Tran Duc Quyet)
Son La City organized series of activities to honor the 3rd Vietnam book and reading culture day
The delegates visited the Comapassion library nestled within a House of Wisdom. (Photo: Tran Duc Quyet)
Son La City organized series of activities to honor the 3rd Vietnam book and reading culture day
The delegates visited the Comapassion library nestled within a House of Wisdom. (Photo: Tran Duc Quyet)

A standout feature of this series of activities was the commemoration of Vietnam book and reading culture day on April 20, featuring a specialized discussion on “Lifelong learning: An imperative trend of contemporary society”. The event garnered participation from leaders of various departments including education and training, culture, sports and tourism, as well as the Provincial library of Son La, alongside city officials, members of the Steering Committee for building the “Global learning city” of Son La City, representatives from educational institutions, and notable figures from the community.

Son La City organized series of activities to honor the 3rd Vietnam book and reading culture day
Education expert Tong Lien Anh shared about the role of books in promoting lifelong learning. (Photo: Tran Duc Quyet)
Son La City organized series of activities to honor the 3rd Vietnam book and reading culture day
The delegates listened intently about the role of books in lifelong learning. (Photo: Tran Duc Quyet)

Addressing the assembly, education expert Tong Lien Anh underscored the paramount importance of books and reading culture in fostering lifelong learning and in the construction of a learning-oriented society. Despite the plethora of modern technological advancements, books remain unparalleled in their ability to impart knowledge and wisdom. According to Tong Lien Anh, books serve as steadfast companions on the journey of learning, and reading represents the most effective pathway to knowledge acquisition.

The celebration of books and reading culture extended across all segments of society, with one noteworthy initiative being the “Role of books in lifelong learning” book introduction competition. This competition aimed to showcase and disseminate valuable literary works, newspapers, and reading techniques to individuals, organizations, and communities, thereby cultivating a widespread passion for reading.

Following nearly a month of solicitation, the organizing committee received over 1000 video entries from 5 Houses of Wisdom and 30 schools, spanning elementary to high school levels. Notably, entries encompassed a diverse array of genres including politics, law, literature, fiction, diaries, science fiction, life skills, novels, history, and children's literature, enriching the literary landscape and broadening reading options for enthusiasts.

Ms.Tran La Giang, Head of the Education and Training Department of Son La City, shared about the book introduction competition of 2024. (Photo: Tran Duc Quyet)
Ms.Tran La Giang, Head of the Education and Training Department of Son La City, shared about the book introduction competition of 2024. (Photo: Tran Duc Quyet)

According to Trần La Giang, Head of the Education and Training Department of Son La City, the book introduction competition of 2024 proved to be a highly rewarding endeavor, not only in promoting a culture of reading but also in fostering active and effective learning. Through heartfelt video presentations, participants - ranging from 8 to 82 years old - demonstrated a genuine passion for reading and conveyed profound insights gleaned from the pages of literature.

The prize-winning contestants of the book introduction competition stepped forward to receive their rewards and certificates from the organizing committee. (Photo: Tran Duc Quyet)
The prize-winning contestants of the book introduction competition stepped forward to receive their rewards and certificates from the organizing committee. (Photo: Tran Duc Quyet)

Within the framework of the event series, the Provincial police temporary detention center, in collaboration with the People's Committee of Son La City, organized a Book and reading culture day for prisoners.

The delegates presented books as gifts to the temporary detention center
The delegates presented books as gifts to the temporary detention center. (Photo: Tran Duc Quyet)

Here, both delegates and inmates were moved by the heartfelt sharing from education expert Tong Lien Anh on the role of books in uplifting individuals, guiding them through mistakes, and overcoming adversity with the power of resilience and intellectual openness. Lien Anh's speech deeply resonated with attendees through authentic stories about human experiences and life, along with tangible evidence of the reintegration process into society for those who had previously violated the law.

Education expert Tong Lien Anh signed books for the prisoners.
Education expert Tong Lien Anh signed books for the prisoners. (Photo: Tran Duc Quyet)

In conjunction with the festivities, Son La City inaugurated the Library at the headquarters of the City Party Committee, People's Council, People's Committee, and Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of the City. Additionally, 3,000 books were generously donated to this library by various entities, including businesses, individuals, and the Houses of Wisdom, further enriching its collection.

The delegates presented books as gifts on the occasion of the inauguration of the library for the administrative agencies of Son La City. (Photo: Tran Duc Quyet)
The delegates presented books as gifts on the occasion of the inauguration of the library for the administrative agencies of Son La City. (Photo: Tran Duc Quyet)

With over 1,000 diverse titles spanning fields such as politics, law, economics, society, and science, this library stands poised to meet the learning and research needs of officials, civil servants, and members of Party agencies, organizations, and administrative bodies throughout the city. Notably, Nguyen Huu Dong, Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Head of the Provincial Delegation of National Assembly Deputies of Son La, contributed 500 books to this initiative.

Inauguration of the library for the administrative agencies of Son La City. (Photo: Tran Duc Quyet).
Inauguration of the library for the administrative agencies of Son La City. (Photo: Tran Duc Quyet).

April has come to a close, yet the activities promoting reading and lifelong learning to enhance the spirit and habits of learning persist vigorously, day in and day out, in Son La City. This reflects the city government's commitment to truly embodying its UNESCO Global Learning City title, with the ultimate beneficiaries being the diverse communities residing within the city's borders.

Son La City organized series of activities to honor the 3rd Vietnam book and reading culture day. (Photo: Tran Duc Quyet)
Son La City organized series of activities to honor the 3rd Vietnam book and reading culture day. (Photo: Tran Duc Quyet)
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