VIENTIANE, May 31 (Xinhua) -- "We will never forget the kindness of the Chinese people," said Somsanouk Phanthavong, an alumnus of the "67" School, at a recent alumni gathering in Vientiane.
In 1967, China established the "67" School in Nanning, the capital city of southwestern China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, in response to an educational assistance request from war-ravaged Laos. Offering kindergarten and primary education, the school received more than 1,000 Lao teachers and students.
More than 400 alumni of the "67" School, together with former Chinese faculty and staff representatives, attended the reunion. They gathered to recall the hardships they shared more than half a century ago and to celebrate the enduring friendship between Laos and China. Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, himself an alumnus of the "67" School, attended the event.
At a themed photo exhibition, alumni were deeply moved by the collection of historical photographs documenting their school years. The exhibition also displayed old items used by alumni at the school, such as suitcases, cotton-padded coats, and quilts, attracting visitors to stop and gaze at them.
"The '67' School cultivated our discipline, unity, and sense of responsibility," Somsanouk recalled. In 1968, she left her war-torn hometown to study in Nanning. She said the school's structured collective life had a profound impact on her future.
"Every day followed a strict schedule. We got up on time, did morning exercises, ate meals, and went to class. It taught us punctuality and organizational discipline, values that have benefited us throughout our lives," she said.
According to Somsanouk, the "67" School not only helped Laos develop a large number of skilled professionals but also served as a vivid example of the profound friendship between Laos and China.
"After returning home, we devoted ourselves to building our country. The school contributed talented individuals at all levels to Laos' development while further strengthening the friendship between our two countries," she said.
The event also invited Chinese faculty and staff representatives who had worked at the school, including a barber and medical personnel. For many alumni, the reunion was an emotional experience. "Although we have been separated for more than 50 years, seeing them again feels like meeting long-lost relatives," Somsanouk said.
Mo Zhuoping, a 74-year-old Chinese barber, was visiting Laos for the first time. He was immediately recognized by many alumni upon arrival. Mo said he was 19 when he started working at the "67" School. He feels very gratified to see the children he cared for grow into pillars of Lao society in various fields.
Somsanid Keoduangdy, president of the "67" School Alumni Mutual Assistance and Development Association, said the reunion and exhibition were organized primarily to help younger generations understand the hard-won friendship between Laos and China.
"We want future generations to understand the profound revolutionary friendship between our two countries and continue to uphold the solidarity and friendship between Laos and China," Somsanid said. "On the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Laos and China, I wish both countries continued prosperity and everlasting friendship."
"Our generation must take up the baton," said Visanou Siphandone, a representative of the alumni's children and currently working at the Lao Ministry of Industry and Commerce.
Visanou noted that the Laos-China relationship was not built overnight but was the result of the joint efforts of several generations. Having grown up listening to stories from elders about their experiences in China, Visanou deeply understood the responsibility of carrying forward the friendship between the two countries.
"In the future, we, the younger generation, must continue to serve as bridges of friendship between Laos and China," he added. ■