To commemorate the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union and the 55th anniversary of the youth movement at Hanoi University, on March 24, 2011, the University of Social Sciences and Humanities and the University of Natural Sciences organized a meeting and exchange of ideas among key Youth Union officials from the University of Hanoi to the present day. These key officials reminisced about the 55-year tradition of Hanoi University and shared experiences in organizing and conducting Youth Union activities.
Youth Union activities then and now
Discussing the organization of Youth Union activities, Professor Hoang Trong Phien, former secretary of the first Youth Union of the University of Technology (1958-1963), said: "In all periods, the most important thing in Youth Union activities is to gather and unite the youth with the spirit of 'wherever there is a need, the youth are there; wherever there is difficulty, the youth are there.' Youth Union activities have different advantages and disadvantages in every period. But no matter what, the younger generation must be enthusiastic, and especially must know how to love, because Youth Union officials always need empathy. In the past, Youth Union activities lacked modern communication methods and technology, so they took up more time. Even so, cycling to the dormitories of 3-4 schools to meet and socialize was a regular activity of key Youth Union officials at that time. And Youth Union officials not only had to do well in their work but also had to achieve good academic results." Recounting his memories from his time working in the Youth Union, Professor... Professor Pham Van Hap (former Secretary of the Youth Union of the University of Technology from 1969 to 1973) shared: This period marked many major movements of the youth of the University of Technology, most notably the "Putting aside pens and books to go fight against America" movement with 5 large-scale recruitment drives at the university. Many students voluntarily enlisted, and exemplary figures known to many generations include Ca Le Hien, Chu Cam Phong, Nguyen Van Thac... And to create the unique style of the Youth Union of the University of Technology at that time, Professor Pham Van Hap said: The first and most fundamental strength of the Youth Union of the University of Technology was its ability to build character among its members, creating opportunities for interaction and exchange. Cultural and sports activities were always essential to gather young people and attract members...
Always place your full trust in the younger generation.
Sharing experiences in organizing Youth Union activities through songs and melodies were the insights of Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Hai Ke and Dr. Nguyen Quang Lieu, representing key Youth Union officials from the 1980s and 1990s. The younger generation of key Youth Union officials is part of the older generation, continuing the traditions of the previous one: “I am just a part of the current generation of you all. Youth Union activities are a matter of fate; you should dedicate yourselves wholeheartedly to them,” said Associate Professor Nguyen Hai Ke (former Secretary of the Youth Union of the University of Technology from 1980-1985). In a discussion with students about the ideals of youth in the past and present, Dr. Nguyen Thi Hoang Lien, former Secretary of the Youth Union of the University of Science from 2000-2004, stated: Activities are the same in every era; the only difference is the way they are organized and the names they are given. However, nowadays young people have many opportunities. Faced with many opportunities, they need to know how to choose the best ones and live and work with their hearts. Youth Union officials must always be role models for their members to follow.
The exchange program also further promoted interaction and strengthened solidarity between the Youth Unions of the two universities, the University of Social Sciences and Humanities and the University of Natural Sciences.
