Doctor Nguyen Ha Ngoc, Director of Level 2 Field Hospital No. 5, said this was a volunteer program at a primary school for girls in Bentiu, South Sudan, on April 26.

Each gift set includes notebooks, colored pencils, drawing books, pencils, slippers, and clothes for 50 students. The hospital also gave 20 gifts to teachers and school administrators, mainly stationery and learning materials.

The Vietnamese soldiers organized many games such as tug of war and jump rope for students and teachers to participate in. The hospital's women's group prepared 40 liters of milk tea and cakes for everyone to enjoy after the games.

"The innocent and pure eyes and smiles of the children, and the handshakes of thanks from the teachers at school made us very happy," said a representative of Level 2 Field Hospital No. 5.

Bentiu, home to the 5th Level 2 Field Hospital, is one of the most volatile and unstable areas in South Sudan. Life here is extremely difficult for the people, who depend heavily on UN aid.

According to Dr. Ha Ngoc, the school that the hospital organized for charity was rebuilt by UNICEF from houses destroyed by war.

"This is an opportunity for hospital staff to reach local people, do meaningful work, and build the image of Vietnam and its people to international friends," said Dr. Ngoc.

In March, Level 2 Field Hospital No. 5 coordinated with the government and the United Nations to organize medical examinations for local people. More than 50 women received general health check-ups, gynecological examinations, ultrasounds, and advice on early detection of abnormalities and proper health care. After the examination, each person received gifts including shirts, slippers, hats, and hygiene items.

Level 2 Field Hospital No. 5 consists of 63 people, working at the largest United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) with nearly 18,000 staff.

Son Ha