Young People on a Journey to Spread Vietnamese Cultural Values

With the desire to improve their English proficiency and contribute their youthful energy to spreading traditional Vietnamese culture to international friends, the youth of the Capital have developed creative ideas through a “unique” touring method.

“Knowledge is Power – Knowledge is Freedom”

Knowledge plays an incredibly vital role in society. Today, authentic knowledge increasingly asserts its significant impact on human life. Understanding this, the Hanoi Free Private Tour Guide club was officially established in late 2015.

After eight years of operation, this club has solidified its position as the first educational organization in Vietnam to hold the copyright for a method of learning English through guiding foreign tourists.

The Hanoi Free Private Tour Guide club operates across the Capital and several neighboring northern provinces, focusing on central districts rich in historical relics such as Hoan Kiem, Hai Ba Trung, and Dong Da. Looking ahead, the club is preparing to celebrate its 8th anniversary in Quang Binh Province and plans to replicate this model in Ho Chi Minh City.

Speaking with reporters from the Capital Youth Newspaper, Mr. Le Van Tai (Head of the Club) emphasized: “I founded Hanoi Free Private Tour Guide with the desire to create an environment for Vietnamese people, especially the youth, to have the opportunity to use English through free tours to spread Vietnamese cultural values.”

According to Mr. Tai, the club started with just one member. Today, through dedicated effort, it has reached a total of over 5,000 members, with 2,000 currently active. Members range in age from 13 to 55, with half of them being working professionals. They come from various regions and educational backgrounds but share a common goal: learning English and contributing a small part to preserving and promoting the beauty of Vietnamese culture to the world.

The motto “Knowledge is Power – Knowledge is Freedom” serves as the group’s guiding star. Club members believe that a person’s “knowledge” encompasses their information, skills, experience, capacity, and execution ability. “Positioning ourselves as an educational organization (not just English training), we believe the role of education is to help perfect the human being”, a club member shared.

Promoting Vietnam’s Traditional History and Culture

Through numerous free tours across the Capital and surrounding areas, Hanoi Free Private Tour Guide has successfully provided services to tourists from over 50 different nationalities. Notably, the club is a partner of prestigious museums, monuments, and cultural organizations such as the Ho Chi Minh Museum, the Vietnamese Women’s Museum, and the Hanoi Old Quarter Management Board. It also partners with most hotels and travel agencies in Hanoi and the Northern region.

Ms. Hoang Anh Nhi (43, an English-Math teacher) shared: “I discovered the club while walking by the Lake. Initially, I just wanted to try it out, but I got hooked without realizing it. It has helped me significantly improve my communication skills. Although I joined quite late, it is a point of pride and honor for me to show that it is never too late to learn.”

Sharing this sentiment, 23-year-old Tran Thi Minh Nguyet recalled an emotional tour with five guests from three different countries. “It was a special tour with both tears and laughter… At Hoa Lo Prison, they cried because of the crimes of war, but they laughed a lot witnessing the heroic history of the Vietnamese people, wearing ancient costumes at the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, or enjoying the essence of Vietnamese cuisine. As a guide, that makes me happy.”

Ms. Ha Thu Hien, another member, recounted guiding two British students who initially had limited knowledge of the “S-shaped land.” She made every effort to show them as much as possible. By the end of the trip, the students expressed deep admiration. “Vietnam has a very positive outlook after the war; they hold no grudges. I feel in love with Vietnam and will definitely return soon”, one student emphasized.

Managing 2,000 people is a challenge, but the enthusiasm of these young people remains unhindered. The club has established professional regulations to ensure consensus and strength.

Nguyen Khanh Huyen (16), the youngest current member, expressed: “I’ve been with the club for over a year and have been lucky enough to lead 80 tours. I feel proud to promote our traditional history and culture to international friends.”

To ensure safety, younger members always accompany those over 18. A typical free tour consists of two volunteers: one “Main Guide” (trained and experienced) and one “Sub Guide” (a recent graduate gaining experience).

For these 2,000 members, guiding is not just a task, it is life, an opportunity for self-growth, and an essential part of their education. “Touring keeps us energized and helps relieve stress after intense classes. Working members use their free weekends or holidays to participate,” shared Minh Nguyet.

Source: Written by Quynh Giang – Youth and Law Newspaper (Báo Tuổi trẻ và Pháp luật), November 6, 2023