Our school recently had the honour of hosting award-winning author and poet Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai for a series of enriching sessions with students, parents, and staff.
A distinguished voice in contemporary Vietnamese literature, Dr Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai is celebrated for her powerful storytelling and poetic prose in internationally acclaimed novels such as 'The Mountains Sing' and 'Dust Child'. Born in a small village in Northern Vietnam during the Vietnam War, she experienced firsthand the impact of conflict, displacement, and cultural resilience, themes that vividly shape her writing. Her work, spanning novels, poetry, and essays, deeply explores Vietnamese history and culture, bridging generations and providing readers worldwide with insight into Vietnam's rich heritage.
The Head of the English Department, Mr Hoare, shared the inspiration behind inviting Dr Quế Mai, stating, "We're very excited to have Dr Quế Mai join us, not only because she is an internationally celebrated and award-winning author, but also because she writes about Vietnamese history and culture in a way that can be explored and enjoyed by people from all over the world." Having witnessed her ability to inspire students during previous talks, the department eagerly anticipated the positive impact of her visit.
Dr Quế Mai began her visit with a keynote speech, sharing her personal history and how it has shaped her career as a writer. This was followed by creative writing workshops for Years 7 to 10, where students were encouraged to explore their own identities and personal histories in their writing. Through poetry and short stories, students learned to use their unique experiences to craft meaningful narratives.
After the student sessions, Dr Quế Mai met with the BIS community, signing their books and engaging in lively discussions with parents, teachers, and students. The atmosphere was one of warmth and enthusiasm, as attendees expressed their admiration for her work and exchanged ideas about literature, culture, and identity.
The impact of her visit on students was profound. Not only did they gain practical skills in structuring their writing and using language effectively, but they also developed a deeper understanding of how literature can reflect personal and cultural identity. "This experience has empowered students to develop confidence in their creative abilities and recognise the uniqueness of their own identities," Mr. Hoare noted. By working with a renowned international author, students have been inspired to explore new perspectives, improve their writing, and gain a stronger appreciation for literature as a powerful medium for self-expression.
Before this visit, Phạm Bùi Gia Khanh, the founder of Camp Lumina and currently a Year 12 student, invited Dr Que Mai to speak and run a full-day workshop at their inaugural writing camp for Vietnamese students aged 13 to 20, which took place in June. On October 20th, she was also invited to speak at the launch of "The Light Within," a book featuring more than 20 young authors who participated in the writing camp. This collection includes works of various genres, such as poems and short stories in both Vietnamese and English. In her speech, she expressed that while there’s no shortage of excellent works in Vietnam today, we face a significant challenge in finding skilled translators—writers who can effectively bridge both languages to introduce Vietnamese literature to a global audience. "I’m thrilled to read the works of young authors written in both Vietnamese and English, beautifully presented in this meticulously curated book. You’re ready to step confidently into the world with your steadfast pens," she emphasised.
Published by BIS Hanoi on 25/10/2024: https://www.nordangliaeducation.com/bis-hanoi/news/2024/10/25/renowned-author-nguyen-phan-que-mai-visits-bis-hanoi
