Following in the footsteps of the red-shirted volunteer team.

At the exam site at Le Hong Phong High School (Hung Thong commune) on the morning of July 4th, amidst the traditional green uniforms of the youth volunteer group were the red shirts of volunteers from the Vuon Tue family organization. Although they had only met the day before, all members of the group had become very close. The atmosphere became even more lively when a vehicle carrying meals and drinks, delivered by Buddhists from Phuc Thanh Pagoda, arrived. Without being told, everyone pitched in, some scooping soup, others arranging the boxes of rice and drinks into individual portions for easy distribution to candidates and their families. White rice with braised pork and tofu, fish, stir-fried water spinach, peanuts, beef soup with bamboo shoots, and pineapple were placed in clean styrofoam boxes, accompanied by a bottle of mineral water, chopsticks, and spoons – a convenient and hygienic menu prepared for the candidates and their families after the first exam session.

While waiting for the candidates, many parents and family members brought their pre-registered meal vouchers. Everyone expressed their emotion, gratitude, and appreciation for the charitable work of the Buddhist followers of Phuc Thanh Pagoda and the volunteer reporters. Receiving two meals for himself and his nephew, Nguyen Dinh Quyen, a candidate, Mr. Bui Duc Hiep from Nghia Hoan commune (Tan Ky district) emotionally shared: "Having traveled alone to Hue to take the exam, without any support or assistance because there were no volunteer activities to support exam season back then, I understand better than anyone the hardship and difficulties of candidates from far away in finding accommodation and, especially, ensuring their health through proper meals. Therefore, I am truly grateful for the compassionate meals provided by the Buddhist followers of Phuc Thanh Pagoda and the volunteer team supporting the exam season…"

The candidates' families were delighted to receive free meals.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Than (Dien Hanh, Dien Chau) said, "For those of us who live far away and bring our children to the exam, nothing is more precious than these compassionate meals or free accommodation in local homes. The Hung Nguyen exam center is not near the city center, and finding lodging or restaurants is not easy, not to mention the issues of price and food safety and hygiene..." It is noteworthy that thanks to the enthusiasm and good organization of the Youth Volunteer Team supporting the exam season in Hung Nguyen district and the young volunteers from the Vuon Tue family organization of Phuc Thanh Pagoda, the meal distribution was very orderly and culturally appropriate, with everyone presenting their tickets and receiving meals in order.

Cheerfully distributing meals and serving soup, volunteer Phan Van Trong said: "I am a third-year student at the Hanoi University of Business and Technology. I came home for summer break and was introduced to this activity by my mother, a Buddhist follower of Phuc Thanh Pagoda. I feel very happy to have had a beneficial and meaningful summer. Having been a test-taker myself, I empathize with and truly want to support the test-takers so they can have a successful exam…"

To provide free meals that were both nutritious and hygienically safe for exam candidates, Buddhist followers at Phuc Thanh Pagoda went to the market and prepared ingredients from the afternoon of July 3rd. At dawn on July 4th, at 3 a.m., everyone was up, lighting fires to begin preparations. The atmosphere was bustling, like a wedding celebration. Many people volunteered their homes and mobilized their entire families, including children, grandchildren, and in-laws, to participate in cooking meals for the candidates, such as the family of Mr. Tran Quang Vinh from Block 15, Ha Huy Tap Ward. Not only did Mr. Vinh cook, but he and his grandchildren also accompanied the vehicles to the exam locations to distribute the meals.

Sharing his thoughts on his work, Mr. Vinh happily said: “This is a very meaningful endeavor, so everyone wants to contribute to sharing the difficulties and encouraging the candidates to have a successful exam. My biggest concern is the sourcing of ingredients, ensuring they are safe, clean, and meet food safety standards…”

Ms. Nguyen Thi Lan, Deputy Head of Huong Sen Buddhist Association in Nghe An (Phuc Thanh Pagoda), said: The entire cost of approximately 20 million VND for the free meal distribution came from the Hanh Nguyen Fund for the Lonely (named after a lay disciple of the Buddha), contributed by the Buddhist followers themselves. Many people not only contributed money but also volunteered to cook, package, and encourage their children to join the Tue Garden Family team to support the Hung Thong commune in distributing meals to exam candidates and their families. In addition to 400 meals in the Hung Nguyen district exam cluster, the pagoda also distributed 600 meals at the Vinh University exam site. To share with the candidates, the An Phu water plant also donated 300 bottles of mineral water to the Hung Nguyen exam cluster along with the free meals. The Hung Nguyen exam cluster also has a tradition of providing free accommodation for exam candidates without charging any fees.

400 meals were sold out during the first exam session at Le Hong Phong High School. Following the success of this initial outreach activity, Buddhist followers of Phuc Thanh Pagoda and many family members of the candidates hope for more support from philanthropists, assistance from the public, and the sharing of volunteer youth to create more meaningful and practical activities like this year's exam season.

Khanh Ly - My Ha