Building on the success of the “Vầng Trăng Hòa Sắc” program in 2025, the OU Help to be Helped Club of Ho Chi Minh City Open University continues to organize “Vầng Trăng Hòa Sắc 2” in 2026. Through a series of cultural experiences and community volunteer activities, the program provides a platform for international and Vietnamese students to connect, engage in cultural exchange, and explore Vietnamese culture, while fostering a spirit of sharing and social responsibility.
Experiencing Vietnamese Culture Through “Sắc Việt Đón Trăng: Making Tò He with an Artisan”
As part of the program’s cultural experience activities, 30 Vietnamese and international student volunteers participated in an introduction to tò he, a traditional Vietnamese folk toy closely associated with the country’s cultural life.At the event, artisan Tran Van Tuan, who has been practicing the craft for more than 20 years, introduced the volunteers to the origins and characteristics of tò he, as well as the process of creating these traditional figurines.
Following the introduction, the volunteers had the opportunity to make their own tò he under the artisan’s guidance, allowing them to gain a deeper understanding of and hands-on experience with a traditional form of Vietnamese folk culture. Notably, the 65 tò he products made by the volunteers were later presented to the children at Tu An Shelter as gifts of love, spreading the spirit of sharing and community responsibility.
“Vườn Cây Cho Em” – Planting Seeds of Green at Vo Nguyen Giap High School
On September 27, 2026, the program officially took place at Vo Nguyen Giap High School and Tu An Shelter, featuring a range of meaningful volunteer, cultural exchange, and community activities. Vietnamese and international students joined hands in community service activities, cultural performances, and gift-giving, while also spending time sharing joyful moments and building meaningful connections with the children.
The main day of “Vầng Trăng Hòa Sắc 2” (“The moonlight of Harmorny 2”) began with a cultural exchange featuring performances by volunteers, international students, and students of Vo Nguyen Giap High School.
The school’s students performed “A Little Dream of Me,” followed by the ensemble performance “Nhớ Mãi Chuyến Đi Này” and “Người Ơi Người Ở Đừng Về,” performed by volunteers and international students. Combining modern dance with elements of Khmer and Vietnamese cultural traditions, the performances brought together diverse musical colors and created a lively and engaging atmosphere from the very beginning of the day.
Following the cultural exchange activities, “Vầng Trăng Hòa Sắc 2”(“The moonlight of Harmorny 2”) continued with the “Vườn Cây Cho Em” (“A Garden for Children”) project at Vo Nguyen Giap High School in Phu My Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, with the participation of volunteers and students.
Together, the volunteers and students planted 167 trees and flowering plants across the school grounds, including 110 Yellow Bells, 21 Tú Mai (Mexican Heather), 15 Vạn Phúc (Peace Lily), and 21 Red Ixora plants. The project contributed to expanding the school’s green spaces and creating a greener, cleaner, and more welcoming learning environment, while also providing an opportunity for volunteers and students to work together in an environmental protection activity.
Bringing the Joy of Mid-Autumn Festival to Tu An Shelter
Following the morning activities, the delegation continued to Tu An Shelter in Phu My Ward, Ho Chi Minh City. There, the volunteers had the opportunity to meet, play, and interact with the children. The atmosphere at the shelter became increasingly warm and lively through musical performances, interactive activities, and laughter shared between the volunteers and the children. Singing and playing together helped bridge the distance between everyone, creating meaningful moments and lasting memories throughout the journey. In particular, the song “Người Ơi Người Ở Đừng Về” (“Please Stay, Don’t Leave”) filled the space as a heartfelt reminder of the connections and memories that everyone created together throughout the program.
At Tu An Shelter, the “Vầng Trăng Hòa Sắc 2” (“The moonlight of Harmorny 2”) program presented 65 gift packages to children facing difficult circumstances. Each package included Mid-Autumn Festival mooncakes, lanterns, tò he figurines, notebooks, milk, and snacks. In addition, the children took part in a fun-filled game festival featuring four activity stations: “Đưa Trăng Về Cung” (“Bringing the Moon to the Palace”), “Thỏ Ngọc Gắp Sao” (“The Jade Rabbit Picks the Stars”), “Cuội Gom Tre” (“Cuội Collects Bamboo”), and “Cá Chép Hóa Rồng” (“The Carp Transforms into a Dragon”). The thoughtfully prepared gifts and engaging activities helped create a warm and joyful Mid-Autumn Festival filled with love, laughter, and memorable moments for the children.
Reflections After the Program
Meng Lay, a Cambodian student currently studying Computer Science at the University, eagerly shared:
“In Cambodia, we do not celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival in the same way as in Vietnam. However, the moon and the values of togetherness and sharing still hold special significance in our culture and spiritual life. Therefore, when I came across the University’s volunteer recruitment post on Facebook, I immediately signed up for the interview because I wanted to become part of the program and help create a truly meaningful Mid-Autumn Festival with everyone.”
“This was my first time celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam. Being able to take part in such a special occasion alongside Vietnamese and international student volunteers, I believe, was a wonderful opportunity for me to learn more about Vietnamese culture, meet new people, and build connections. I was very happy to share the joy with everyone and contribute to creating a warm and memorable Mid-Autumn Festival atmosphere,” Meng Lay shared.
Kaung Khant, a student from Myanmar at the Faculty of Special Training, Ho Chi Minh City Open University, shared:
“Looking back, I will remember today not only for what I contributed, but also for the people I met, the children I played with, the tree I planted, and the new perspective I gained.
I came to contribute for one day, but I left with memories and lessons that will stay with me for much longer.”
Closing the Journey and Keeping the Memories Alive
The “Vầng Trăng Hòa Sắc 2” (“The moonlight of Harmorny 2”) program not only brought a meaningful Mid-Autumn Festival to the children but also created memorable experiences that brought Vietnamese and international students closer together through volunteer activities, cultural exchange, and acts of sharing.
Through each activity, the program helped spread a sense of community responsibility, raise awareness of environmental protection, and create meaningful social values. It also provided every volunteer with an opportunity to connect, understand one another, and create lasting memories together. Although “Vầng Trăng Hòa Sắc 2” (“The moonlight of Harmorny 2”) has come to an end, the love, kindness, and spirit of sharing fostered throughout the journey will continue to spread through many more journeys to come.
Content and pictures: OU Help To Be Helped.