Organisers present prizes to outstanding students at the “I Love Our Seas and Islands” contest for the 2025-26 school year, held HCM City on January 23. — Photo courtesy of organisers

HCM CITY — The direct round of the “I Love Our Seas and Islands” contest for the 2025-26 school year was held on Friday in HCM City’s Cần Giờ Commune, offering lower secondary students a unique opportunity to learn about Việt Nam’s maritime sovereignty.

The event was jointly organised by the Command of Coast Guard Region 3, the city Party Committee’s Commission for Information and Mass Mobilisation, and the HCM City Department of Education and Training.

It marked the cluster-level round for coastal communes, formerly under Cần Giờ District.

A total of 100 students with outstanding results were selected from more than 2,700 participants in the online preliminary round.

They came from six lower secondary schools in the city’s coastal areas.

During the direct round, contestants competed in four sections themed “Setting Sail,” “Riding the Waves,” “Docking,” and “Marking Sovereignty.”

The questions covered the Party’s viewpoints and policies, State laws related to seas and islands, Việt Nam’s maritime legislation and international law, as well as historical, geographical and legal foundations of Việt Nam’s maritime sovereignty. Local history, culture and traditions were also included.

The contest aimed to raise students’ awareness of the strategic role of seas and islands in national construction and defence, while fostering patriotism, national pride and a sense of responsibility among the younger generation.

At the end of the competition, Phạm Lê Thiên Kim, a sixth-grade student from An Thới Đông Lower Secondary School, won first prize.

Kim said: “The contest helps me gain a deeper understanding of Việt Nam’s archipelagos and coastal localities, strengthening my love for the country’s seas and islands.”

The organising board also awarded two second prizes, two third prizes and 15 consolation prizes.

Based on the overall results, five outstanding students from HCM City were selected to represent the city at the southern regional final, scheduled for March 2026, alongside contestants from Vĩnh Long and Đồng Tháp provinces.

As part of the programme, the Coast Guard Region No. 3 Command, in coordination with the Việt Mỹ School System, presented 15 bicycles and 20 scholarships to disadvantaged students who have shown strong determination in their studies.

With its structured approach and strong political commitment, the contest has become a “special classroom,” contributing to nurturing patriotism and enhancing students’ awareness and responsibility in safeguarding Việt Nam’s sacred maritime sovereignty. — VNS