Vietnamese Mid-Autumn festival lights up smiles of children in the Central African Republic
WVR - The courtyard of the Foyer de Charite in Bangui, Central African Republic, came alive with the vibrant colours of Mid-Autumn Festival lanterns, the giggles of children, and the melodies of Vietnamese children's songs.
Latest
Vietnamese peacekeeping officers, donning the UN's blue uniforms, joined the children in organizing games, guiding them in making lanterns, wrapping spring rolls, colouring pictures, and sharing stories about the Mid-Autumn Festival – a distinctive cultural feature of Vietnam.
 |
| The task force takes a commemorative photo with children at the Foyer de Charite. (Source: Vietnam Peacekeeping Department) |
Vietnamese culture in the Heart of Africa
On the occasion of the 2025 Mid-Autumn Festival, the Vietnamese task force at the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in Central Africa (MINUSCA) organized a special cultural exchange program for disadvantaged children in Bangui.
The event, rich in humanitarian spirit, not only spread the beauty of Vietnamese traditions but also strengthened the friendship between the people of Vietnam and Central Africa.
In his opening remarks, Lieutenant Colonel Duy Van Son, Head of the Vietnamese Ministry of Defense task force at MINUSCA, shared: “We aim to bring joy to Central African children during the Mid-Autumn Festival and to spread the spirit of compassion and Vietnamese traditional culture – where children are always cherished and given the best.”
Following the introduction of the Mid-Autumn Festival's significance, Vietnamese officers organized engaging cultural activities. Many children were delighted to learn how to make traditional spring rolls – a simple yet sophisticated dish combining vegetables, meat, vermicelli, and rice paper.
Under the patient guidance of the "blue-helmeted chefs", small hands skillfully rolled each spring roll, waiting for them to be fried to a golden crisp, and then enjoyed them together with joy.
The colouring and lantern-making area became the most attractive spot. Brightly colored paper, crayons, small scissors, and glue were passed around amid laughter and chatter.
Vietnamese officers meticulously guided each folding, gluing, and framing step to create five-pointed star lanterns – a symbol of the Vietnamese Mid-Autumn Festival. As the evening sun faded, the lanterns were lit, glowing in the children's hands. This light not only brought joy but also illuminated hope and humanity across borders.
Traditional games like “Dragon Snake”, “Tug of War”, and “Musical Chairs” filled the Foyer de Charite courtyard with laughter.
Gimba, a 10-year-old child, shared: “I am very happy to play with the Vietnamese officers. This is the first time I have heard of the Mid-Autumn Festival. I like the lanterns the most because they are bright and beautiful like the moon.”
 |
| Officers guide children in colouring and making lanterns. (Source: Vietnam Peacekeeping Department) |
Gifts of love and care
Beyond bringing joy, the Vietnamese task force also prepared meaningful and practical gifts including books, school supplies, toys, candies, and star lanterns to present to the children.
These simple gifts were wrapped with the affection and sharing spirit of the blue-helmeted soldiers – Vietnam's peace ambassadors in a foreign land.
Major To Ngoc Anh, a female member of the task force, shared: “Many children here have never had the chance to celebrate a festival dedicated to them. Seeing their smiles, we truly understand the value of bringing joy and spreading love. Our Mid-Autumn Festival thus becomes more meaningful than ever.”
This charitable activity also received active support and cooperation from local authorities and units of the MINUSCA mission.
A representative of the Foyer de Charite expressed deep gratitude, affirming that the program not only brought joy to the children but also served as a cultural bridge between the two nations.
Beyond being a festive occasion, the “Vietnamese Mid-Autumn Moonlight” program also helps promote the image of Vietnam – a friendly, compassionate, and peace-loving country – to international friends.
It demonstrates the role, responsibility, and courage of the Vietnamese peacekeeping force in fulfilling the United Nations' common mission: bringing peace, stability, and development to conflict-affected countries.
 |
| The task force guides children in making Vietnamese dishes, especialy spring rolls. (Source: Vietnam Peacekeeping Department) |
As the program concluded, the full moon in Vietnam had risen high, casting its gentle light over bustling streets filled with Mid-Autumn laughter.
Halfway across the globe, the star lanterns in the hands of Central African children were also lit, extending the Vietnamese moonlight to Africa.
This was not just the light of the Mid-Autumn Festival, but also the light of friendship, sharing, and faith in a brighter future – where every child, no matter where they are, can live in peace and love.
