On the afternoon of August 13, 2024, a delegation from National Economics University (NEU), led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Duc Tho, Secretary of the Party Committee and Chair of the University Council, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Huy Nhuong, Vice President, visited cohort 65 students in the High-Quality and POHE programs to offer encouragement and review their progress in studies and training at the Center for National Defense and Security Education, Hanoi Pedagogical University 2, Vinh Phuc.

The delegation holds discussions and a working session at the Center for National Defense and Security Education, Hanoi Pedagogical University 2

Also joining the NEU delegation were Dr. Nguyen Huu Dong, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and President of the NEU Trade Union; Dr. Vu Van Ngoc, Dean of the Institute of Advanced, High-Quality and POHE Programs; leadership representatives from the University’s departments, schools, faculties, institutes, centers, and sociopolitical organizations; and faculty and staff.

Welcoming and meeting with the delegation on behalf of the Center for National Defense and Security Education at Hanoi Pedagogical University 2 were Colonel Phan Xuan Dung, Deputy Director of the Center; Colonel Ha Manh Hung, Deputy Director; and the Center’s teaching staff.

During the visit, the University delegation met with the Center’s leaders to discuss students’ studies and general living conditions. The delegation also toured the facilities to learn firsthand about students’ studies, health, and daily living environment. Delegation members spoke with and encouraged students, listened to their thoughts and aspirations, and shared experiences to help them make effective use of their period of study in a military environment.

Colonel Phan Xuan Dung, Deputy Director of the Center for National Defense and Security Education at Hanoi Pedagogical University 2, speaks.

Discussing students’ studies, health, and daily life, Colonel Phan Xuan Dung, Deputy Director of the Center, said that, in terms of training, the Center had worked closely with the unit’s functional departments to alternate course components according to a sensible, well-organized schedule. Regarding students’ living conditions and daily routines, the Center also regularly monitors each student through daily reports from platoons. Through these reports, it receives students’ feedback, thoughts, and aspirations so that it can promptly answer questions and provide support, helping students focus on their studies and training with peace of mind. In particular, student health care is always a top priority. Each day, military medical personnel and company commanders check on every student to ensure that all remain as healthy and safe as possible.

Colonel Dang Viet Hung, Head of the Department of Training and Student Management, reports on students’ studies and training.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Duc Tho, Secretary of the Party Committee and Chair of the University Council, speaks at the conference.

After listening to the Center’s leadership representatives report on students’ studies, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Duc Tho, Secretary of the Party Committee and Chair of the University Council, affirmed that the University felt very reassured about students studying and training there, thanks to the enthusiasm, attentiveness, and support of the Center’s teaching staff.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Duc Tho also emphasized that the University continues to follow its students’ progress and listen to their thoughts, aspirations, and experiences during their studies and training at the Center. The Associate Professor and Chair of the University Council noted that participation in the national defense and security education program offers students an opportunity to change and mature in their thinking, conduct, habits, and discipline. This period of study is required by the State, but it is also a valuable experience for students, helping them develop not only their knowledge, skills, attitudes, and health, among other aspects, but also a better understanding of the military environment. In turn, they will cherish life’s values more deeply and appreciate the hardships, difficulties, and privations faced by soldiers guarding the country’s borders and remote islands day and night…

“I am very pleased to see you experiencing a military environment and adapting and integrating so well after only a short time. This helps you mature, develop many skills and good qualities, and become more caring and united. Strive to overcome difficulties and challenges through effort, determination, and your very best endeavors, upholding the spirit and pride of wearing a soldier’s uniform and the conduct of Uncle Ho’s soldiers. I hope that through these periods of national defense and security education, you will recognize your responsibilities as individuals and citizens toward your country and family…,” Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Duc Tho told the students.

Faculty members talk with and encourage students studying at the Center.

Cohort 65 students from the Institute of Advanced, High-Quality and POHE Programs were also delighted to receive the care, encouragement, motivation, and meaningful gifts offered by their teachers.

Students happily and enthusiastically share their memories of the Center with their teachers.

Nguyen Tra My shared: “When we heard that our teachers were coming to visit, we were very moved and looked forward to it just as we would to a visit from our parents and loved ones today. In Hanoi, we were used to staying up late and getting up late… At first, much was unfamiliar to us. We were not used to the intense sunshine, the scorching heat, or training on the drill ground… But after one week, we gradually adjusted to the new daily routine, learned to get up early, and became accustomed to going to bed at 10 p.m…. We gradually grew used to communal routines and living together, with more consideration for one another. At first, we were very homesick. Now, although we still miss home, we have begun to feel that we do not want to leave just yet… We are very grateful to the teachers at the Center for National Defense and Security Education for giving us such useful lessons. We would also like to express our sincere thanks to the University’s teachers for always accompanying us, following our progress, and caring about our thoughts, wishes, and aspirations, so that we always feel a real sense of warmth and can study, train, and develop ourselves with peace of mind.”

Le Khoi Viet expressed his delight at the teachers’ visit, sharing: “After nearly two weeks of studying at the Center, we have found daily joys with our roommates and fellow students here. We are very happy that our teachers have come to visit today and offered us care and encouragement. We promise to do our best during our remaining time here, with a strong commitment to studying and training, so that when we leave, we will be more mature and become responsible individuals in life. Viet also hopes to have more time during the day to exercise and improve his physical fitness… Viet believes this strict environment is an opportunity for us to train and gradually give up bad habits… We also miss our University more, including the times we waited for the elevator to go up to class… Right now, I feel torn between wanting to go home and wanting to stay… This is a very good environment for improving our health.” Viet also hoped to have more time during the day to exercise and improve his physical fitness.

Seeing the bright, cheerful smiles of cohort 65 students from the Institute of Advanced, High-Quality and POHE Programs, the delegation felt confident that they would complete their National Defense and Security Education course well. Like so many generations of the University’s students, they would also have wonderful memories of their days of military training—somewhat strict and disciplined, but also full of joy, happiness, stronger bonds, and greater care for one another.

We hope that this visit by faculty and staff will give our “soldiers” even greater motivation to study and train better. May they have a memorable experience and a truly meaningful time together before returning to their beloved University.

Article and photos: Department of Communications

This is an automated translation. If you notice any errors, please contact the Department of Communications, National Economics University at phongtruyenthong@neu.edu.vn.