Hai Phong youth stand with the nation’s sea and islands

Upholding sovereignty through the colors of youth

In August 2025, despite the rocking waves on a voyage from the mainland to the outpost island of Bach Long Vi, students from Hai Phong University were filled with excitement as they embarked on the journey “Youth and students with the nation’s sea and islands.” Amid the salty wind and sun at the island harbor, a mural gradually took shape with the theme “Hai Phong youth – Upholding sovereignty, building the future.”

The students worked tirelessly for four consecutive days. Some mixed colors, while others sketched outlines or set up frames. They even worked late at night or in the rain to keep on schedule. The result was a 40-m2 mural, not only vibrant in color but also imbued with the dedication and passion of Hai Phong youth.

During the trip, the young volunteers also organized skill classes and quiz games on themes such as “My dream” and “Love for our homeland’s sea and islands” for island children. Their innocent laughter blended with the sound of the waves, planting seeds of love and brightening the dreams of the children growing up at sea.

The journey “Youth and students with the nation’s sea and islands” also brought 170 sets of national flags and holders to residential areas, 230 solar-powered lights to illuminate homes along the coast, and programs for cleaning beaches, improving gardens, and tending trees. Each small effort carried great love, encouraging soldiers and residents on the island in their daily task of defending the sea and islands.

Not only colors, Hai Phong youth have also brought technology and innovation aspirations to distant islands. In 2024, Le Bao Minh, a Youth Union member in Cat Hai special zone, proposed the project “Digitalizing information of Cat Ba tourism” using 2D and 3D bilingual (Vietnamese–English) applications. This digital map helps visitors easily access information about scenic spots, relics, and tourist destinations on the island.

“Right after its launch, the digital map received high praise from Party committees, authorities, and the city Youth Union, as well as satisfaction from tourists, especially international ones. It is proof that young people dare to think, dare to do, and turn ideas into actions for the community,” said Minh.

Spreading love for the sea and islands

Not only occasional trips, activities for the sea and islands have also become a tradition in Hai Phong youth’s movements. From Do Son and Cat Hai to Bach Long Vi, the city Youth Union, Youth Federation, and Student Association regularly organize programs such as “For our homeland’s sea and islands,” “Let’s clean the sea,” and “Supporting fishermen,” providing medicine cabinets, scholarships for fishermen’s children in need, assistance to those affected by storms, etc.

Nguyen Thi Thuy, Vice Chairwoman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Hai Phong and Secretary of the city Youth Union, said these efforts both improve the material and spiritual lives of people in coastal and island areas and foster patriotism, awareness, and responsibility among the city’s young generation in protecting the nation’s maritime sovereignty.

From the hands that paint youth’s pictures to the steps that clean beaches, the creation of digital maps, etc., all are contributing to a bigger picture of a generation of Hai Phong youth who are courageous, creative, passionate, and full of love for their homeland.

Every day, they add their strength to the journey of defending the nation’s sea and islands, so that each wave carries with it the love and faith of Hai Phong youth. For them, these journeys are not simply trips, but also a responsibility toward the nation’s seas and islands.

LINH LINH

LINH LINH