ĐẮK LẮK — More than 100 young overseas Vietnamese (OVs) from 31 countries and territories immerse themselves in the resonance of traditional gongs in the central province of Đắk Lắk on July 15 as part of the ongoing Việt Nam Summer Camp 2025 held by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ State Commission for Overseas Vietnamese (SCOV).

In its third day, the camp offered the young participants a unique opportunity to explore the region’s rich culture, history, and economic potential. The programme’s highlight was an evening immersion in the gong culture where the OVs enjoyed vibrant traditions of the E de ethnic minority group, including hands-on experience with traditional musical instruments, highlands folk songs, and coffee culture.

Vilatda Moungkhounsin, aged 22 from Laos, shared enthusiasm about the first visit to Đắk Lắk, saying playing the T'rưng musical instrument was fascinating.

SCOV Vice Chairwoman Ngô Thị Thanh Mai said the summer camp is a call and invitation for the young OVs to carry forward the homeland’s values of peace, compassion, tolerance, and aspiration for development.

This year's event is carefully curated to bridge Việt Nam's historical legacy with its dynamic present, helping young the OVs discover the homeland's regions, culture, and history and witness current economic development opportunities and the nation's overall progress.

The camp runs from July 13-26, with activities taking place in HCM City, Đắk Lắk, Quảng Ngãi, Đà Nẵng, Quảng Trị, Nghệ An, Ninh Bình, and Hà Nội. In Đắk Lắk, activities include incense offering at Hồ Chí Minh Square, charitable work supporting ethnic minorities, cultural exchanges focused on gong traditions, and a visit to the World Coffee Museum.

The official opening ceremony will be held in Đắk Lắk on July 16 night while the closing ceremony is planned for July 25 in Hà Nội.

The Việt Nam Summer Camp has been organised since 2004, with only a two-year interruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic. — VNA/VNS