President Nguyễn Xuân Phúc meets with 263 outstanding children from 54 ethnic groups of Việt Nam in Hà Nội on Thursday morning. — VNA/VNS Photo Thống Nhất

HÀ NỘI — While meeting 263 children from all 54 of Việt Nam's ethnic groups at the Presidential Palace in Hà Nội, President Nguyễn Xuân Phúc called for more support for young people across the country to create a solid foundation for their and the country's future development. 

The youngsters are taking part in the fourth Children's Festival, held in Hà Nội and the northern province of Phú Thọ between Wednesday and Friday.

President Phúc reminded the children to spread the spirit of "venerate teachers and respect morality"; read more books to foster the soul and cultivate knowledge; and continue to preserve the cultural identities of their ethnic groups.

Phúc said he hopes that more and more children will succeed in their studies and contribute to the country's development so that it may become more prosperous, beautiful and civilised.

He said that in the school year of 2022-23, he hopes more students will win high prizes in domestic and international competitions.

Imbued with late President Hồ Chí Minh's views on national unity and the work of taking care of children and adolescents, President Phúc said the Party, State and people always pay attention to the protection, care and education of children, especially children of ethnic minorities and children living in mountainous, remote, and border areas, and islands.

He called for ministries, sectors and localities throughout the country to create the best conditions for educating and caring for children.

At the same time, he praised the Party's guidelines and policies to improve the material and spiritual life of ethnic minorities.

He also requested coordination between family, school and society to be strengthened to ensure that children can learn in the best conditions, focusing on soft skills training, and condemning acts of child violence and abuse.

He said that the Hồ Chí Minh Communist Youth Union has to deploy useful movements with renovated forms and contents to suit the customs of each ethnic group.

Within the festival framework, the Hồ Chí Minh Communist Youth Union's Central Committee and the Central Children Council will organise various activities for the children, including visits to Văn Miếu (Temple of Literature) – Quốc Tử Giám (First National University) complex, Thăng Long Imperial Citadel and the Hà Nội Puppetry Theatre.

The 263 children will pay tribute to late President Hồ Chí Minh at his mausoleum, meet Party and State leaders, and offer incense to Hùng Kings at their temple in Phú Thọ Province.

The Children's Festival is held every five years to honour children from all ethnic groups nationwide, encouraging them to study hard and contribute to maintaining the traditional identities of their ethnic groups, as well as strengthen national solidarity. — VNS