5 latest sample essays for the 55th UPU Letter Writing Competition 2026.
Below are 5 sample essays for the 55th UPU Letter Writing Competition in 2026, which students can refer to to improve their own entries.
Theme of the 55th UPU International Letter Writing Competition (2026)
The 55th UPU Letter Writing Competition in 2026 has the theme: Write a letter to a friend, explaining why human connection is essential in the digital world.
The English theme for the 55th UPU Letter Writing Competition in 2026 is: Write a letter to a friend about why human connection matters in a digital world.
According to the regulations, Vietnamese students aged 9 to 15 can participate in the competition. The UPU letter must be handwritten, no more than 800 words, presented on one side of the paper, placed in a stamped envelope, and sent by mail.
The deadline for submissions is from December 19, 2025 to March 5, 2026, based on the postmark. Submissions should be sent to the Youth Pioneer and Children's Newspaper in Hanoi.
Sample letter for the 55th UPU Letter Writing Competition 2026: Sample No. 1
Sender: ...
Student ..., School ....
..., Vietnam
Receiver: ....
Classmate
...., date ... month ... year ....
.... Dear,
I'm writing this letter to tell you what I think: why human connection is still so important in this digital age. While we can text, video call, or play games together, those are just tools. What gives friendship and life meaning is genuine care, listening, and sharing.
There was a time my mom and I were looking at photos on our phones, but neither of us spoke. I felt sad because those moments we shared were being replaced by a screen. I think that a face-to-face conversation, a hug, or a smile can be much more comforting and heartwarming than a text message. When you're sad, having a friend come along, listen, and offer some words of encouragement will make you feel less alone than any emoji.
Technology helps us stay in touch with friends far away and learn new things. But if we only use technology and forget to spend time together in real life, relationships will gradually fade. Therefore, I suggest: use your phone to connect, but don't let it replace face-to-face meetings, outdoor activities, and in-person conversations. Take the time to check in with each other, meet when you can, and share both joys and sorrows.
I cherish our friendship and hope that even as the world changes, we will still maintain our genuine care for each other. See you this weekend for a trip to the park and a long chat!
Dear,
....
Sample letter for the 55th UPU Letter Writing Competition 2026: Sample No. 2
..., date ... month ... year ...
Dear friend,
I'm writing this letter to you after staring at my phone screen for hours. We've been talking a lot online lately – just a few taps and we can send messages or comment on each other's posts. Technology is so convenient! But isn't it strange, the more "connected" we are online, the more distant we sometimes feel. I suddenly remember those times we sat together, laughing and joking, a feeling of joy that text messages can never replicate.
My friend, I've realized that human connection isn't just about making friends on Facebook or sending each other emojis. True connection is when we look into each other's eyes and listen to each other's stories, when someone wipes away your tears when you're sad, or simply when we go out for snacks after school. Social media can't replace those little things. For example, there was a time I was upset about a bad grade, and you came to comfort and encourage me. That genuine care is more valuable than any quick text message on a phone.
The modern digital world offers many wonderful things. Thanks to the internet, we can easily learn, entertain ourselves, and stay in touch with friends far away. I'm grateful that, thanks to the internet, even though you transferred schools, we can still chat regularly. However, I understand that technology will never replace human connection. A "like" button can't compare to a warm hug when I'm sad. An online comment can't make me laugh as happily as hearing you tell a story in person. We need true friends by our side to share our joys and sorrows completely.
Do you remember that time when our group arranged to meet, but everyone was engrossed in their phones, and nobody talked much? That's when I realized that if we only focus on the virtual world, we'll miss the beautiful moments right in front of us. The connection between people is so important – it helps us understand and empathize with each other better. When we talk in person, we can see each other's smiles, voices, and true emotions. Those things make friendships much stronger and more meaningful.
I'm writing this letter to say that I cherish our friendship, and I believe that friendship will become even more precious in this age of technology. No matter how popular social media becomes, I still hope we will always make time for each other in real life – like going to the park together, studying in groups, or simply sitting together and talking. Because for me, genuine friendship and caring are priceless gifts in modern life.
This letter is getting long, so I'll stop here. Thank you for always listening to me pour out my heart. I hope to receive your reply soon, and even more so, I hope we can meet again soon to chat to our heart's content!
Dear,
...
Sample letter for the 55th UPU Letter Writing Competition 2026: Sample No. 3
..., date ... month ... year ...
Dear friend,
My name is ..., I'm ... years old this year, and I'm in 6th grade. I'm writing this letter to you because I want to share my thoughts on something very important: why human connection is so necessary in today's digital world. You know, we live in an age where phones, computers, and social media are everywhere. But I think, no matter how advanced technology becomes, genuine human connections remain the most precious thing.
First, I think technology makes it easier for us to connect. For example, I can chat with a friend via Zalo or play online games together even if we're far apart. But, my friend, conversations through screens can't replace the feeling of hugging or laughing together in person. I remember when I was sad because of a bad grade, chatting with a friend was comforting, but if I could meet you in person, your pat on the shoulder or your smile would have made me much happier. Physical connection reduces loneliness and makes us happier.
Secondly, in the digital world, things sometimes become artificial. On Facebook or TikTok, people post beautiful photos, but in reality, they might be feeling sad. If we only connect online, misunderstandings can easily arise. But when we meet in person, we can look into each other's eyes and feel genuine emotions. This helps build trust and lasting friendships. I think people need moments like playing soccer with friends in the park, not just liking photos online.
Ultimately, human connection allows us to support each other in life. Even with Zalo or video calls, a hug from family or help from neighbors is what truly matters. In the digital world, technology is a tool, but people are at the center. We need to balance online and offline interactions to avoid feeling lost.
My friend, I hope that through this letter, you share my feelings. Let's try to meet more often, instead of just texting. I believe that genuine connection makes the world a better place, even in this digital age.
Dear,
...
Sample letter for the 55th UPU Letter Writing Competition 2026: Sample No. 4
..., date ... month ... year ...
Dear friend,
My name is ..., I'm 10 years old and in 4th grade. Today I'm writing to you to tell you why human connection is important in the digital world. Nowadays, everyone uses phones and computers to chat and watch videos, but I think real connections are what give life meaning.
First of all, human connection makes us feel closer. I have online friends abroad, or we text via Instagram, but when I meet friends at school, playing tag or sharing secrets in person, it feels so much better. Technology is just a bridge; it's the touch and real laughter that create beautiful memories. I've read in books that a lack of real-life connection easily leads to stress and sadness.
Next, in the digital world, information is abundant but sometimes fake. If we only trust online, we are easily deceived. But when we talk face-to-face, we can ask questions and share real experiences. For example, when studying in a group in person, I understand the lesson faster than when studying online. That connection also helps us learn to listen and respect each other, something that emojis on the internet can't do.
Furthermore, even with FaceTime or Zoom, people still feel lonely without family gatherings. Technology is great for learning and working remotely, but people need picnics and birthday celebrations with friends to maintain balance. I believe that, if combined effectively, the digital world will support, not replace, real-life connections.
Hey friend, try spending more time offline. I'm looking forward to hearing from you about your thoughts. Wishing you good health!
Dear,
...
Sample letter for the 55th UPU Letter Writing Competition 2026: Sample No. 5
City, date... month... year...
Dear friend,
Hi! How are you doing lately? Are you like me, glued to your phone and computer every day for online classes, watching videos, and texting friends?
Today, while browsing social media, I saw pictures of you with your family, and suddenly I felt a deep longing for the days when we ran and played in the schoolyard, our laughter echoing across the space. I'm writing this letter to share something I've realized: even in this digital world, we still need genuine connections from the heart.
You know, the digital world is so convenient. With just a click, we can talk to loved ones far away, learn anything, or make friends all over the world. But sometimes, I feel like it's a transparent glass wall. We can see each other, hear each other, but we lack warmth. A comforting hug, a pat on the shoulder, or the expressive look in our eyes when we share joys and sorrows... none of that can be replaced by emojis or voice messages.
Once, I was upset because I got a bad grade, so I posted a very general status update. Many friends liked it and commented, "Cheer up soon!", but only my classmate, who sat next to me after class, came over, sat beside me, and listened to me. It was her presence, her sincere eyes, that truly eased my heart. True connection is when we feel understood and belong. It's like a sturdy tree trunk, helping us stand firm against emotional storms.
We also learn a great deal from real-life interactions. When working in a team, it's not just about the written words in a group chat, but also about lively discussions and ideas exchanged through eye contact. Helping an elderly person cross the street, or playing a physical game with a child, teaches us empathy and responsibility—lessons that machines can hardly teach.
Mai, I don't deny the wonder of technology. It's a wonderful bridge. But remember, that bridge should bring us together, not leave us standing on it, looking down at the stream of life flowing away. Let's use social media to arrange a game of soccer, read a book together and chat, or simply visit each other when we can. Let video calls not only be for group study, but also to show each other a new dish Mom just made, or a newly decorated study corner.
I hope that no matter where we are, we will always maintain that warm connection. Let's be friends who listen to each other with all our hearts, beyond the small screens.
This letter is getting long, so I'll stop writing now! This summer, when we have free time, let's go camping together as we promised! I'll tell you lots of stories.
Wishing you always stay happy, healthy, and full of energy!
Your friend,
[Sign]
