On the morning of September 20, 2025, a unique and heartfelt event unfolded online, drawing together more than 500 teachers and education advocates from 30 countries and territories. The occasion? The closing ceremony of the intensive training course, "Methods of teaching Vietnamese to Vietnamese children abroad," and the much-anticipated launch of the Global Vietnamese Language and Culture Teaching Network. Organized by the Vietnamese Consulate General in Fukuoka, Japan, in partnership with the Global Vietnamese Language and Culture Teaching Network, the event marked a milestone for Vietnamese language educators worldwide.
The training course, which ran from July 26 to September 20, 2025, was no small feat. According to the organizers, it featured five online lessons focused on practical teaching content, all designed to equip teachers with the latest pedagogical methods. Notably, the course attracted over 550 teachers and learners, each bringing their own stories and experiences to the virtual classroom. Hundreds of lesson plans were submitted, contributing to a growing shared resource library that will benefit Vietnamese language teachers across the globe.
As the ceremony unfolded, the atmosphere was charged with emotion and pride. Teachers and learners alike shared their reflections on nearly two months of collaboration, growth, and newfound inspiration. As reported by Nhip Cau Dau Tu, the event was more than a mere summary; it became a space for honest storytelling and mutual encouragement, reinforcing the collective mission to nurture and preserve the Vietnamese language for generations to come.
Vietnamese Consul General in Fukuoka, Vũ Chi Mai, captured the spirit of the day, stating, "Preserving and spreading the Vietnamese language in overseas communities is a sacred mission, connecting younger generations to their roots. The diplomatic missions will continue to accompany, connect, and support practical initiatives like this program." Her words echoed the sense of responsibility felt by all present, highlighting the essential role language plays in maintaining cultural identity among the diaspora.
From Thailand, Consul General Đinh Hoàng Linh (Khon Kaen) added his perspective, noting, "The Vietnamese community in Thailand has a long history, and teaching Vietnamese to the younger generation has always been a concern. This training course is a valuable opportunity for teachers in many countries to learn modern methods and strengthen ties with Vietnam. This is a crucial foundation for preserving Vietnamese and nurturing love for the homeland in the hearts of the younger generation." As reported by PLO, such sentiments underline the broader significance of language education as a bridge between distant lands and ancestral heritage.
The teaching team behind the course was composed of distinguished experts: GS.TS Nguyễn Minh Thuyết, PGS.TS Hoàng Anh Thi, PGS.TS Trịnh Cẩm Lan, and TS. Nguyễn Khánh Hà. Their leadership and expertise were repeatedly praised by participants. Representing the advisory board, GS.TS Nguyễn Minh Thuyết shared his deep feelings: "I am very moved to witness the serious participation of more than 500 teachers around the world. Even though we are teaching in distant countries, each of us shares a passion for preserving and passing on Vietnamese to the younger generation. I believe that this bond and sharing will create great strength so that Vietnamese will always be cherished, respected, and resonate across the five continents."
Perhaps the most poignant testimony came from Đại Đức Thích Pháp Quang, abbot of Trúc Lâm Monastery in Sri Lanka. He highlighted the challenges and triumphs of a small Vietnamese community: "The Vietnamese community in Sri Lanka is only about 200 people, but we still maintain three Vietnamese language classes with more than 60 students. Thanks to this training course, we have access to systematic curricula and learn modern teaching methods from experienced teachers. Above all, we are able to interact and learn valuable experiences from teachers around the world – this is a great motivation to continue preserving Vietnamese in Sri Lanka." His words, reported by both Nhip Cau Dau Tu and PLO, resonated with many in attendance.
The closing ceremony also served as a springboard for future initiatives. Organizers announced the official launch of the Global Vietnamese Language and Culture Teaching Network, scheduled for September 29, 2025. This network aims to connect Vietnamese teachers and cultural advocates worldwide through online platforms, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose. One of its flagship projects will be the creation of a "Map of Vietnamese language classes worldwide," providing valuable data for policy planning and targeted support.
Collaboration with the Posts and Telecommunications Institute of Technology (PTIT) is set to play a crucial role in the network’s next steps. This partnership will focus on digitizing teaching materials, developing an electronic resource library, and integrating information technology into both teaching and learning. Such efforts are expected to modernize the approach to language education, making resources more accessible to teachers and students, regardless of their location.
Regular advanced training sessions and consulting opportunities will be organized to support overseas Vietnamese teachers, giving them a platform to share practical experiences and learn from one another. The network’s guiding principle, "Global solidarity – Respect diversity – Encourage appropriate solutions in each country/region," reflects its commitment to inclusivity and adaptability. By recognizing the unique challenges faced by Vietnamese language teachers in different countries, the network hopes to offer tailored support and innovative strategies for success.
Another practical outcome of the training course was the recognition of effort and achievement. According to the organizers, certificates of completion will be awarded to participants who attended all sessions and submitted their lesson plans as required. This not only acknowledges their dedication but also strengthens their credentials as educators within their local communities.
Looking ahead, the Global Vietnamese Language and Culture Teaching Network aspires to become a strong, enduring link between Vietnamese language teachers abroad and those in Vietnam. Its vision is to foster a vibrant, supportive community that champions the preservation and promotion of Vietnamese language and culture in every corner of the world. The hope is that, through collective action and shared wisdom, the Vietnamese language will continue to thrive, echoing in the voices of new generations far from their ancestral homeland.
As the final words of the ceremony faded, what lingered was a renewed sense of purpose and connection. For many, the journey of teaching Vietnamese abroad can feel isolating or daunting. Yet, as this event showed, when educators come together—sharing stories, strategies, and dreams—remarkable things can happen. The launch of the Global Vietnamese Language and Culture Teaching Network marks not just an organizational milestone, but a heartfelt promise to keep the language alive, wherever Vietnamese communities call home.
