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Every year, the Universal Postal Union (UPU) holds an international letter-writing competition with various themes. For 2024, the 53rd UPU competition will focus on the theme of a world you would like to create for future generations.
I. Theme for the 53rd UPU Letter-Writing Competition
Each year, the UPU organizes an international letter-writing competition with a different theme. In 2024, the 53rd UPU competition will revolve around the theme: "Over the course of 150 years, the Universal Postal Union (UPU) has served more than eight generations of people worldwide. The world has changed a lot since then. Write a letter to future generations describing the world you hope they will inherit." This is an opportunity for students worldwide to express their love for their country and their desire to create a better world for future generations.
II. Rules for the 53rd UPU Letter-Writing Competition
1. Participants:
Vietnamese students aged 9 to 15 years (as of the time of sending the letter to participate in the competition).
2. Guidelines for the Competition Letter:
- The letter must be the student's original work, written in prose form based on the competition's theme (it should not have been published in a newspaper or book), and should not exceed 800 words.
- Letters written in foreign languages must include a Vietnamese translation attached. The judging will be based on the Vietnamese version.
- The letter must be clear, neat, and handwritten on one side of the paper (please do not write on the back; if multiple pages are used, number the pages and staple them together to avoid confusion). Typed or photocopied letters are not valid.
- In the top left corner of the letter, the following information must be clearly written: Full name, date of birth, ethnicity, school address, grade, district (town), province (city), and phone number. Letters without this information will be disqualified.
- The content of the letter should not include specific personal details such as the student’s name, school, or address to avoid revealing personal information.
- Each letter must be placed in an envelope with a postal stamp, including the sender's and recipient's address with the postal code (11611), and sent via the Vietnam Post system.
- The envelope should clearly state: Letter for the 53rd International Letter-Writing Competition UPU (2024).
- Address for submission: Thiếu niên Tiền phong và Nhi đồng Newspaper - 5 Hoa Ma Street, Pham Dinh Ho Ward, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi City.
3. Submission Deadline:
From January 5, 2024 - March 15, 2024 (based on the postmark).
4. Additional Requirements:
- It is not mandatory for 100% of the students in a school to participate.
- All entries that are not stamped with a postal stamp or not sent through the Vietnam Post will be disqualified.
- The copyright for all submissions belongs to the Organizing Committee.
- The postal code for Thiếu niên Tiền phong và Nhi đồng Newspaper is: 11611.
- Do not publish the competition letters in the press, on television, or on social media until the results are officially announced by the Organizing Committee.
III. How to Write a Winning Letter for the 53rd UPU Competition
The 53rd UPU letter-writing competition presents an opportunity for students to express their love for their country and their desire to create a better world for future generations. To increase the chances of winning, students should keep the following points in mind:
1. Understand the Theme Thoroughly
Before starting to write, students should carefully explore the competition's theme. Think about the world you would like to leave for future generations and what you hope they will inherit. You can refer to books, articles, or ask adults for more information and ideas.
2. Use Simple and Honest Language
The 53rd UPU letter-writing competition does not require complex writing styles or vocabulary. Instead, use simple and sincere language to communicate your message in an easily understandable and genuine way. You can use short, clear sentences that express your thoughts effectively.
3. Focus on the Main Idea
When writing, focus on your main idea and avoid going off-topic. You can use questions to help stay focused and develop your ideas. Remember, your submission will be judged by a panel of judges from various countries, so use clear and simple language to convey your message effectively.
IV. How to Present Your Letter for the 53rd UPU Competition in a Way That Engages the Judges
1. Introduction:
- Start with an intriguing question, a fascinating statistic, or a short story to capture the reader's curiosity.
- Choose a captivating title that reflects the main theme of your letter.
2. Clearly State the Topic and Your Personal Perspective:
- Address the requirements of the topic and how you understand it.
- Present your personal viewpoint and unique opinions about the subject.
3. Key Issues:
- Clearly identify the issue or topic you are discussing.
- Place the issue in a larger context, demonstrating its significance to the community and the world.
4. Examples and Stories:
- Support your viewpoint with specific examples and vivid stories.
- Use personal experiences or success stories to illustrate your point.
5. Importance and Impact:
- Describe how this issue affects the community and the world.
- Mention the positive changes your solution could bring about.
6. Your Personal Opinion and Perspective:
- Express your personal opinion and unique perspective on the issue.
- Share any assumptions or deep reflections on the impact of the issue.
7. Solutions and Suggestions:
- Present your solution in detail and in a logical manner.
- Suggest specific actions that you believe could solve the issue.
8. Conclusion and Challenge:
- Summarize the key points clearly.
- Pose a challenge or question that motivates the reader to think and take action.
V. Sample Letter for the 53rd UPU Letter-Writing Contest
1. Sample Letter for the 53rd UPU Contest: A World Without the Pressure of Grades
… Date… Month… Year
Hello, future generations of ours!
I am writing this letter in 2024 to share with you the burden of the grading pressure that students like us have to bear.
A typical day for us students is a repetitive cycle: morning classes, afternoon classes, evening tutoring, and nighttime homework. This schedule even extends to weekends, which should be a time for rest.
According to surveys, Vietnamese parents spend far more on extracurricular tutoring every year than they do on school fees. This is due to the fear that if their children don't attend extra classes, they will fall behind their peers.
I was shocked when I saw many students fail to make it through the 6th grade admission process at a specialized school simply because their academic results in one subject over the 5 years of primary school only met the 'Completed' level. This school even set a requirement that students needed to score at least 167 points from a total of 17 end-of-year exams. This meant students' report cards were almost entirely filled with perfect scores to be eligible to apply. Many parents admit that to get their child into this school, they must have a well-prepared 'strategy' starting from when the child enters first grade.
In reality, students in Vietnam, especially in big cities, are always burdened with the pressure of 'grades'. For many children, even an 8 or 9 is considered terrible. This has led to many tragic events due to academic pressure. Surveys show that 60% of students believe that the main cause of depression is schoolwork.
Looking at what is happening, I hope your world will be free from the pressure of grades. You will go to school with excitement, a sense of freedom to explore knowledge, and the ability to choose subjects that play to your strengths. All students will also be able to freely express their personal opinions without fear of reprimand from teachers. Classes and exams will no longer be the terrifying experience they once were.
I hope you will live in a world where your family always understands and accompanies you on your journey to develop your strengths, instead of being burdened with rote learning that leaves no time for fun or relaxation. I believe that with the support of those around you, you will no longer feel fear or confusion. By discovering your strengths, you will find better direction for choosing your future career path.
When the pressure of schoolwork is eased, don't forget to nurture your passions and hobbies. I hope you will live happily in a world of freedom and joy.
Sincerely
Sign here
* Download the template HERE
2. Sample UPU letter for the 53rd edition: I hope you won't go to sleep on an empty stomach
... Date... Month... Year
Hello,
I am writing this letter as soon as I learned about this year's UPU letter writing contest theme - a contest that marks the 150th anniversary of the Universal Postal Union (1874-2024): "Over the past 150 years, the Universal Postal Union (UPU) has served more than 8 generations of people worldwide. Since then, the world has undergone many changes. Write a letter to future generations about the world you hope they inherit."
Did you know that our world - which I want to refer to even though you may not have been born when I write this letter - just went through a turbulent year in 2023 across all fields? But what saddens me the most is that in 2023, nearly 1 billion people faced severe food insecurity, and currently, 45 million children under the age of 5 are suffering from acute malnutrition.
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) warned that up to 783 million people go to bed hungry every night, with some on the brink of starvation…
When you read these lines, I hope that our planet has become much better than the time I am living in. My greatest wish is that hunger no longer ravages our Earth.
Why is this my greatest wish for the future world – the world where you live? I am sure you might ask this. It’s because, since I was little, although I've only been a bit hungry a few times from playing too long and missing meals or because my mother was busy cooking late... I've been able to feel how uncomfortable hunger can be.
However, the main reason is my great-grandfather, who is nearly 100 years old now, lived through the historic famine in Vietnam back in 1945. He has told me many stories about those days of hunger, and the stories have deeply moved me.
From those stories, he always reminded me to appreciate food and drinks and never waste them. When possible, share with those who are poorer and hungrier than I am.
I also learned that if hunger persists, people, especially children, will suffer from malnutrition, lacking the strength to study or work. The pain of hunger will make people focus solely on finding food, with no energy left for anything else.
Therefore, I want to share my hope for the future with you, that you will inherit a world where hunger no longer exists. The United Nations has set the goal of 'Eradicating Hunger' as number 2 out of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, aiming for a brighter and more sustainable future for all by 2030.
For this reason, I hope that by then, you will see the results of the actions we are taking today. In your world, everyone will have guaranteed access to safe, nutritious, and adequate food all year round, especially for the poor and vulnerable, including infants.
Global malnutrition will be eradicated, including goals to significantly reduce stunting and wasting among children under five years old.
To achieve the above, it is certain that agricultural productivity has been greatly increased, as well as the income of small-scale food producers, especially women, indigenous people, farming families, livestock farmers, and fishermen. The world has enhanced international cooperation and investment in key areas to strengthen agricultural production capacity in developing countries, especially in the least developed ones...
I hope that you are living in such a world.
Sincerely,
Signed,
* Download the template HERE
3. UPU Letter Writing Contest Sample 53: Wishing for an end to war in the world
... Date... Month... Year
Hello,
I am writing this letter as soon as I learned about this year's UPU letter writing contest theme, which commemorates the 150th anniversary of the Universal Postal Union (1874-2024): "Over the past 150 years, the Universal Postal Union (UPU) has served more than 8 generations of people worldwide. Since then, the world has undergone many changes. Write a letter to future generations about the world you hope they will inherit."
Did you know that our world – I am calling it that even though you might not have been born at the time I am writing this letter – has just gone through a year of great upheaval in every field in 2023? What saddens me the most is that in 2023, nearly 1 billion people faced severe food insecurity, and currently, 45 million children under the age of 5 suffer from acute malnutrition.
The World Food Programme (WFP) of the United Nations (UN) has warned that up to 783 million people go to bed hungry every night, and some are on the brink of starvation…
By the time you read this, I hope our planet will have improved significantly compared to the time I am living in. My greatest wish is that hunger no longer ravages the Earth.
Why is this my greatest wish for the future world – a world where you exist? I’m sure you would ask that. It is because, since my childhood, I’ve only experienced hunger a few times, usually when I was late coming back from play or when my mother was busy cooking late… but I could still feel how uncomfortable hunger could be.
However, the main reason is that my grandfather, who is nearly 100 years old now, lived through the historic famine in Vietnam in 1945. He has shared countless stories with me about those days of hardship, and those tales have deeply moved me.
From those stories, he always reminded me to cherish food and drink, never waste them. And whenever possible, to share with those who are hungrier than myself.
I also learned that prolonged hunger leads to malnutrition, especially for children, leaving them too weak to study or work. The pain of hunger makes people focus only on finding food, with no energy left for anything else.
Therefore, I want to share with you my hope for the future – that you will inherit a world where hunger no longer exists. The United Nations has set the goal of 'Eradicating Hunger' as the second of its 17 Sustainable Development Goals, aiming for a better and more sustainable future for everyone by 2030.
As a result, I hope that by then, you will see the fruits of our actions today. In our world by then, everyone will have guaranteed access to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food year-round, especially the poor and vulnerable, including infants.
Global malnutrition will have been eradicated, including meeting the targets for minimizing stunting and wasting in children under the age of five.
To achieve this, agricultural productivity must have increased significantly, and the income of small-scale food producers, particularly women, indigenous people, farming families, livestock keepers, and fishermen, must have risen as well. The world has strengthened international cooperation, investing in key areas to boost agricultural capacity in developing countries, especially the least developed ones…
I hope that you are living in such a world.
With respect,
Signed,
* Download the template HERE
4. UPU Letter Writing Contest Sample for the 53rd Edition: What kind of future world do you hope to inherit?
… Date… Month… Year
Hello, future person,
Let me introduce myself first: I am currently in grade 8, living in Hanoi, the capital of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.
Upon receiving the theme for this year's International UPU Letter Writing Contest – "Write a letter to future generations describing the world you hope they will inherit", I wondered, if I were to be "gifted" a world, what would people in the future want this gift to look like? If I were you, what kind of world would I hope to inherit?
Since I cannot speak directly to you, I will attempt to answer the second question myself.
In the world I currently live in – starting from the year the Universal Postal Union was established in 1847, there have been 8 generations of people who have experienced many changes. Some changes have made this planet a better place, but others have diminished the quality of life for many.
Therefore, the world I hope for is one where all the limitations of the present moment have been "healed".
It is a world where peace, democracy, and justice are promoted in society. A world where nations implement solutions to end violence and reduce mortality rates. Laws and policies are established to ensure fairness for the people. Financial sources, illegal arms, corruption, and bribery are reduced, while promoting a peaceful, inclusive, and sustainable society for everyone.
In this world, the marine environment and resources are preserved. Activities to reduce and prevent marine pollution are carried out in every possible form. Laws and regulations are enacted to stop overhunting, overfishing, and the excessive use of marine resources. Countries across the globe cooperate internationally to protect the marine environment...
Above all, education systems are guaranteed to be of the highest quality, because with education, people can achieve so many other goals. I hope for equality in technical education and access to knowledge. All young people and a large number of adults are literate. The infrastructure in schools is of high quality, and global scholarship funds are developed. I also expect a highly trained, quality teaching workforce through international cooperation...
I truly hope for these things and much more. And this is not just a whimsical or vague dream of mine, but a realization by current generations of the "flaws" in today's world, and we have been working together for decades to "repair" them.
In September 2000, we – represented by the United Nations – adopted the Millennium Declaration, which included 8 goals known as the Millennium Development Goals.
By 2015, the United Nations had approved a total of 17 Sustainable Development Goals, or SDGs, to address global challenges.
These 17 goals aim to end hunger, reduce poverty, protect our planet, and ensure peace and prosperity for all people by 2030.
This is the world I hope for: a peaceful and prosperous world. I also hope that the world in my vision aligns with your hopes as well.
From now on, I will contribute to building that world. Even though it may not be possible to achieve all 17 goals by 2030, one thing is certain: we will persist in our pursuit. And we dedicate the results to future generations, including you.
I hope you will embrace this vision.
Sincerely,
Signed,
* Download the template HERE
5. Sample letter for UPU letter writing competition 53rd edition: Inheriting a future world that promotes gender equality
... Date... Month... Year...
Hello to you all – the future generations of ours!
As I write this letter, the world has entered the year 2024. Over the past 150 years, serving more than 8 generations globally, the Universal Postal Union (UPU) has played an active role in changing the world.
Is gender discrimination still a problem where you live? In my country, in 2024, although the issue of "gender equality" has received more attention, it is still a prevalent issue.
Since 2016, Vietnam has been observing the Gender Equality Action Month and efforts to prevent and respond to gender-based violence annually (from November 15 to December 15). After seven years of participation with various activities, there have been notable achievements, yet, in my country, there are still prejudices regarding the value of women.
Even my mother – a woman in her forties, spending all four seasons around our small house. Gradually, her joyful spirit turned into the worries of housework, her husband, and children... She says that a woman’s duty is to take care of and nurture the family, and the measure of a woman’s success is a happy family. I wonder, if my mother herself forgets her own worth and neglects self-love, when will gender discrimination truly be erased?
I say this because I know my mother has her own dreams and interests. However, because of the family and the deep-rooted belief in being a "strong backbone" for the household, she had to leave those behind. Looking at her now, I am terrified that this is what my future may look like. I do not want to lead a life as dull and uneventful as hers. I despise living without dreams, even more so when I am living under someone else’s expectations.
In other rural areas, gender discrimination can be even more severe.
In fact, the preference for sons over daughters has become an unspoken rule. People will go to great lengths just to have a son, believing that only a son can "carry on the family name" and that only a son can ensure the rituals of ancestor worship are performed properly.
Not only do women suffer inequality in love, but there is also a clear divide in property distribution and inheritance rights between sons and daughters. I believe that in modern society, these outdated beliefs need to be changed.
No matter who you are, everyone has the right to attend school, to learn, and to grow. Men and women have equal rights and responsibilities, both contributing to the family and economic development.
I am an eighth-grade girl with countless concerns. Women may be excellent at household chores, but that doesn't mean we should "lock ourselves" in the kitchen or always be relegated to the background as supporters. We are capable, we have dreams to fulfill, and we don't have to satisfy everyone else.
I am writing this letter to you, the future generation, with the hope that we can all reconsider the issue of gender discrimination worldwide. I hope that in the not-so-distant future, this issue will be completely erased, and the world you live in will be truly equal.
I believe that striving for an equal world is not just a dream but a mission we must all work together to achieve. Both the me of today and the you of tomorrow, let’s take action for a world where equality and mutual respect reign, shall we?
With respect,
Signed,
* Download the template HERE
6. Sample UPU letter for the 53rd edition: 'The Gift' from 8 billion people to the future
Hello,
I am writing this letter in 2024, 150 years after the establishment of the Universal Postal Union (UPU), which has served eight generations of people worldwide.
Over the years, the world has undergone significant changes. The internet, with its convenience and limitless communication, is a prime example. However, I have chosen to send you this letter rather than a few quick messages online, as a way for us to remember a time when communication was conveyed through handwritten letters, full of deep emotions. I want you to feel my sentiments, about a world I hope you now inherit from our efforts today.
Did you know that 2023 was confirmed by the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) of the European Union as the hottest year since 1850, possibly the hottest year the Earth has seen in 100,000 years?
From Africa, Asia to Europe, from poor to wealthy nations, natural disasters spare no land. At the beginning of 2023, the world was shocked by two earthquakes within 12 hours in Turkey and Syria. More than 50,000 lives were lost due to this disaster, with economic damages nearing 200 billion USD...
The following months saw a series of devastating disasters such as wildfires in Indonesia in June and the intense wildfires in Hawaii in August. In July alone, Greece suffered over 120 major and minor wildfires...
At the same time, fierce floods relentlessly swept across countries and territories throughout 2023. In May, more than 250,000 people in Somalia were evacuated due to flooding. In September, 38,000 people in northeastern Libya had to relocate because of Hurricane Daniel. In October, floods forced over 200 schools in Myanmar to close. In November, France declared a state of emergency in 250 communities in the north due to flooding...
I want to remind you of these events so you know what Earth is facing in 2024. And nations across the globe are coming together, taking concrete actions such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which came into effect on March 21, 1994, to prevent humanity’s harmful interference with the climate system, a pact ratified by 198 countries.
The United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, aimed at strengthening the connection between generations and ensuring a livable planet both now and in the future, was adopted by all member countries in 2015... Specifically in Vietnam, since 2022, the government has approved the 'National Strategy on Climate Change through 2050.'
Nations have not only agreed to take stronger actions on climate but have also outlined ways to implement those actions.
Therefore, although I don't know when you will receive this letter, I hope that by the time you read it, you and your family, friends, colleagues, and others are enjoying a planet free from earthquakes, wildfires, floods, and record heatwaves...
In the world I hope you will inherit, trees and wildlife, farms and forests, rivers and oceans will be well cared for and protected. Clean and renewable energy has become widespread, meeting a large portion of humanity's energy needs and replacing environmentally harmful sources. The life of all Earth's inhabitants truly reflects the essence of 'green' and 'clean.'
And don't forget, this is the 'gift' that the 8 billion people of the 21st century across the planet have collectively nurtured for you.
Sincerely,
Signed,
* Download the template HERE
7. UPU Letter Sample 53: Hoping You Inherit a World Free from Racial Discrimination
... Date... month... year
Hello future generations!
I am writing this letter in 2024, a time when, somewhere in the world, racial discrimination still persists based on skin color and ethnicity.
Recently, I heard about an elderly woman who was beaten in the streets of New York (USA) simply because she was of Asian descent. During the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic, there were nearly 3,800 incidents of violence against Asian Americans. They were blamed for the spread of the virus.
Did you know that, in some parts of the world, people of African descent are still isolated? They are not allowed to drink from the same fountains, attend school with white students, or work anything other than manual labor for low wages. They live in impoverished neighborhoods with inadequate living conditions and healthcare.
In Europe, racial discrimination even finds its way into football. In Spain's La Liga, player Vinicius was repeatedly taunted by Valencia fans simply because he is Black. Surprisingly, the Spanish Football Federation failed to protect the Black player and even justified the situation by claiming Vinicius should not respond to racist individuals. Isn't that absurd?
We all want racial inequality to be resolved, but there are still films and books that center around white people, while portraying people of color in violent or villainous roles. We still carry the mindset that 'high noses and fair skin' are the epitome of beauty, using this as a standard to judge a person's appearance.
However, I believe that these issues will gradually be eradicated as the United Nations incorporates the goal of Reducing Inequality within each nation and between nations in its 17 Sustainable Development Goals. This means that all countries will be equal. Racial and ethnic differences will no longer result in discrimination.
I understand that racial discrimination against people of color cannot vanish immediately, as it is deeply embedded in the mindset and actions of many groups of people. Nevertheless, I believe that if we take the time to learn about ethnic diversity and engage with different cultures, these prejudices will slowly be erased.
Recently, during a jazz concert called 'Ask Your Mama' at the Chicago Symphony Center, 80% of the guests were of African descent, and the guest artists and conductor were all women of color. In the past, this concert was only for white people.
In the 2020 Miss Grand International pageant, a beautiful woman of Ghanaian-American descent triumphed over 52 other contestants, becoming the first woman of color to win this prestigious competition. She broke through all the stereotypes and barriers to prove that 'people of color can achieve greatness.' This shows that the prejudices against people of color are gradually changing for the better.
I hope that the world you live in is one where everyone loves and takes pride in their own culture and ethnicity, yet still respects the differences of other races. I wish for you to have the courage to speak up and stand against any form of racial discrimination, while also confidently showing the world just how proud you are of the country and heritage you represent. That would be a world worth dreaming of - where all people live together in equality and happiness.
Sincerely,
Signed,
* Download the template HERE
8. Sample letter for UPU 53: Hoping the world you inherit will be free from deforestation
… Date… month… year
Hello, dear friends – the future generation of ours!
I am writing this letter in 2024, 150 years after the establishment of the Universal Postal Union (UPU). Recently, I have been hearing a lot about the ongoing destruction of our forest resources.
Forests are the most crucial component of the biosphere and play a significant role in human life. They help protect the soil, prevent erosion, and mitigate natural disasters... In particular, forests are key in nature conservation, serving as the 'home' to many rare and endangered species.
However, this 'green resource of the world' is now under threat due to deforestation, overexploitation by humans, and the harsh realities of climate change.
Did you know that our Earth is warming due to intense human activity? This means that forest fires are becoming increasingly frequent. On February 28, 2024, authorities in Australia had to evacuate about 30,000 people in Victoria as they feared that the intense heat could cause wildfires to spread even further.
Australia is also facing one of its most severe wildfire seasons since the 2019-2020 disaster. The 'Black Summer' devastated many forests in the eastern part of the country, killing millions of animals and covering entire cities with toxic smoke.
In Vietnam, forest resources are facing severe threats due to the ongoing deforestation and illegal logging activities. Since 2011, over 22,800 hectares of forest have been lost, with 13,700 hectares destroyed by fires and the rest due to illegal logging. In the Central Highlands region, there were 4,863 forestry-related violations in 2019 and the first five months of 2020, with 9,898 cubic meters of timber confiscated.
This situation is truly disheartening. Many people continue to focus on short-term gains without considering the long-term value of forests, which leads to the ongoing destruction of their surrounding environment.
However, I believe that things will improve when the United Nations' Land-based Resources and Environmental Policy, incorporated within the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, is implemented. This goal encourages countries to protect, restore, and promote the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, ensure sustainable forest management, combat desertification, prevent and reverse land degradation, and halt biodiversity loss.
I hope that in the world you inherit, the government will prioritize forest protection more. They will implement reasonable and effective policies that promote reforestation and the greening of barren lands, ensuring widespread support. Strong measures will be in place to address illegal logging activities and the destruction of national forests and nature reserves.
I also hope that you and everyone else will actively participate in tree planting, always be ready to join movements for forest protection and development, and stand up against any actions that harm forests, such as illegal logging, encroachment, and the trafficking of forest products.
As a result, you will be able to live in a 'green world' and breathe in fresh, clean air. I wish you a life full of happiness and the ability to enjoy that green space. Please protect the forests, not just for yourself, but for future generations as well!
Sincerely,
Signed,
* Download template HERE
9. Sample letter for UPU 53rd edition: A future world inheriting ethnic traditions
Date… month… year
Hello my friend from the 'future'
I am writing this letter to participate in the UPU letter writing contest for 2024, after the long Lunar New Year holiday. This could be considered the first time I had the concept of 'returning to my hometown for Tet' when I was 11 years old.
My hometown, where my parents were born, is in a district on the outskirts of Hanoi. My parents moved to Ho Chi Minh City to start a career 15 years ago. They told me that when I was 3 years old, I was taken back to the hometown to celebrate the Lunar New Year. But honestly, I don’t remember anything about that visit, even when I was shown pictures from that time.
After that, due to the busyness of work during each Lunar New Year season, then the Covid-19 pandemic, and with the addition of a younger sibling, we didn’t return to the hometown much in the following years, especially not during the Tet holiday.
This year, despite the economic difficulties, my parents decided to take us back to the hometown to celebrate Tet with our grandparents.
When my mother was packing, I once asked: 'I heard that Tet in the countryside is really cold, I don’t have any friends there, and there aren’t any play areas like at our place near my grandparents’ house. Why don’t we just celebrate Tet here to avoid the travel and the costs?'.
At that moment, my mother didn’t scold me but calmly explained that there is something that cannot be measured in money, and no matter how difficult it may be, it will always feel worthwhile. That thing is family love, blood ties. She said that when we return to the hometown for Tet, reuniting with grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins is the happiest thing, because they are the people who love us the most. Since the day I was born, I have always been with my parents, so I probably couldn’t imagine what it feels like to return to family. My mother hoped that through this trip, my siblings and I would somewhat understand that affection.
My mother told me, 'We will help grandparents clean and decorate the house, make Chung cakes, and welcome the New Year together. We will also go to wish a happy Tet to grandparents, uncles, aunts, and relatives, and meet some of my parents’ childhood friends…'
Indeed, during our nearly two-week stay in the countryside, I realized the meaning of what my mother had said, and I felt much happier than many other children who couldn’t go back to the countryside for Tet.
The excitement of preparing for the New Year’s Eve had once kept me awake at night. On New Year’s Eve, everyone exchanged greetings, gave lucky money to the children... I cried uncontrollably when I said goodbye to my grandparents and cousins to return to Ho Chi Minh City...
In 2024, the 53rd International Letter Writing Contest for UPU coincides with the 150th anniversary of the establishment of the Universal Postal Union (1874-2024). Over these 150 years, the UPU has served more than 8 generations of people worldwide. Many changes have taken place in the world since then.
I wonder, by the time you receive this letter, how many more anniversaries of UPU’s founding have been celebrated? How many more generations of people has UPU served, and how has the world continued to change?
But I hope that the world you live in will still carry on the beautiful ethnic traditions that have lasted into the 21st century, including the tradition of celebrating Tet, which has been passed down for thousands of years.
For the warmth and togetherness of Tet, the ancestral worship rituals, and the family meals where everyone gathers after a year of working away from home... are the strongest bonds that keep everyone united.
Knowing that there are people waiting for you back home, no matter where you are or what you do, gives everyone the strength to face any challenges or difficulties with courage.
At that moment, everyone will contribute their part to larger common goals of the country, and of the planet, creating a better world: No more poverty, everyone is healthy, and everyone has access to education...
I truly hope that you are living in such a happy world.
Sincerely
Signed
* Download the template HERE
10. Sample letter for UPU 53rd edition: Hope for a world free of domestic violence
... Date.... Month.... Year...
Hello, future generations of ours!
As I write this letter, the world is in the year 2024, marking the 150th anniversary of the Universal Postal Union (1874-2024). Throughout this journey, the UPU has served over 8 generations of people worldwide and has brought about many positive changes.
And I am confident that by the time you read these words, our world will have become a better and more humane place, where goodness comes from the smallest values, nurtured from the most familiar 'cradle' to each individual. That cradle is family.
Since my school days, I have been taught by my teachers that the family is the foundation of society. When families are 'strong,' society is 'strong.' A strong society leads to a developing country, and a prosperous nation! A family is not only a place of birth and upbringing, but also a place where individuals share, care for, respect, and support one another. That’s why, in life, nothing is more precious than family bonds!
Yet, within this beautiful family portrait, there are dark notes of sorrow marked by the four words 'domestic violence.' Domestic violence refers to actions that harm the physical and mental well-being of other family members. According to statistics from the General Statistics Office and the World Health Organization (WHO), 58% of married women have experienced at least one instance of domestic violence.
Statistics from the Department of Family Affairs - Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism show that 74% of victims of domestic violence are women, and 11% are children. However, these numbers are just the 'tip of the iceberg,' as not everyone who suffers domestic violence reports it. Part of the reason is to protect family honor, and another part is to preserve happiness for their children.
However, the beatings, the insults, and the verbal abuse continue... husbands hit wives, mothers hit children...
Did you know? Some children in our world even avoid going home because their house is no longer a peaceful place for them. Physical wounds may heal over time, but emotional scars never fully fade. A child growing up in violence, what kind of person will they become? What will society look like when every cell carries the 'stain' of domestic violence?
I am so glad that in recent years, domestic violence has gradually been pushed back. However, the issue is far from being completely eradicated, and it's a complex problem to solve. This requires the collaboration, support, and proactive involvement of everyone. My future friend, I hope that you are living in a truly happy world, where there is no room for domestic violence. A place where every individual grows up in an environment of love and respect. Where family is no longer a space of negativity and abuse, but a place where the storm ceases once you step inside.
Above all, your family creates an open communication environment, where every member can freely share their thoughts, feelings, and opinions. The family encourages the exchange of ideas, discussions, and helps each person overcome challenges in life. This builds a warm, loving environment full of affection, enabling you to develop and mature.
Sometimes, just the health and peace of each family member can bring immense happiness. It's when parents witness their children growing day by day; it's when children honor and repay the love of their parents. As long as parents are there, happiness exists, and seeing their children thrive is the true sign of spring. When every family is happy, society will inevitably be happy as well.
I also hope that you will develop values of compassion, kindness, tolerance, sharing, and love, not just within your family, but also towards the wider community. To eliminate domestic violence, we need to change societal views and cultural norms surrounding family roles and power, while respecting diversity and gender equality. We must develop educational programs and campaigns to challenge outdated beliefs and promote healthy, violence-free family values.
Let us join hands to eliminate domestic violence, so that every family can truly be the source of happiness. Let's take action to protect the beautiful values that life brings to us. Together, we can make a difference!
With best regards,
Signed,
* Download the template HERE
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From the use of traditional mail to modern communication technologies, the UPU has revolutionized how we connect, communicate, and understand each other. We hope that the world you inherit in the future will be full of love. We trust that you will continue to build strong bridges, not only in the digital world but also in the real one, spreading love to every corner of the Earth.
