The 120 km journey to Dang Commune in Tay Giang took nearly six hours. However, on arrival, good feelings quickly made them forget their tiring journey. Mr. Tran Van Vi, the leader, and forty-three other volunteers visited Dlao hamlet, which was about 6 km from the village. After a two-hour walk, they met the local people. They gave notebooks, pens, pencils and so on to the children.
As it was a remote area, everyone was very surprised to see students from the city coming with gifts. Farmers stopped work to see their children playing games and receiving gifts from the students. “I’ve never seen such young and active students coming to our hamlet. Our children have never been happier”, said a local farmer. Chuc Anh, a first year DTU Tourism student shared her feelings: “I am very excited because I have never walked this far before. My fatigue quickly vanished when I saw the happy smiles of the people here. I feel very sorry for the little children, as they have to walk a very long way to school everyday.”
In the evening, the volunteers performed a musical for the local residents. The songs and dances of the DTU students and the children watching made an unforgettable evening for everyone. As the evening continued everyone became happier and happier. The bamboo pole dancing helped DTU students get to know the children better. They all shared the same hopes and dreams of a better life for the younger generation of Tay Giang.
Village children performing in the musical
The next day, the volunteers visited Ktiec hamlet with more gifts for people there. Students had time to learn more about the local culture. Bao Tran, a member in the club said: “Thanks for this journey, I had the opportunity to learn Ya Ya’- the traditional local dance. One day I will try to perform it myself!”
On the afternoon of the 29th, the volunteers returned to Danang. One of them said: “This journey will linger in my memory because it taught me a lot. The happy smiles on people’s faces made me forget my fatigue from the long journey. I hope to participate in this memorable activity again”.
(Media Center)