Returning to the Son La Prison special national relic site on an August day, we were drawn into accounts of the arduous yet glorious struggle waged by earlier generations behind the prison’s dark walls. During this period, the site has welcomed visitors from across the country to learn about its history. Among them are large numbers of young people, students and schoolchildren from across Son La, who come to pay tribute, offer incense and express their gratitude to those who came before.

According to the history of the Son La provincial Party Organisation, the Party cell at Son La Prison was established in December 1939, becoming the nucleus of revolutionary leadership across the Northwest. From what was described as a “hell on Earth,” communist prisoners steadfastly transformed the prison into a school of revolutionary training. They organised daring escapes, spreading across the region to build revolutionary networks. At the Muong Chanh base, the national salvation movement spread to eight hamlets before expanding across the province, eventually establishing more than 60 revolutionary bases.

On July 23, 1945, Phu Yen became the first district in the province to be liberated, followed by Muong La, Thuan Chau, Mai Son, Yen Chau, Moc Chau and Quynh Nhai. On August 19, the Muong Chanh guerrilla platoon and local residents surrounded the district administrative headquarters, marking the beginning of a string of resounding victories. The culmination came on August 26, when thousands of people gathered for a mass rally on Khau Ca Hill. There, the Provisional Revolutionary Committee made its debut before the people, declaring the complete victory of the revolution in Son La.

A keen student of history and culture, Tran Tra My, an 11th-grader from To Hieu High School, spoke enthusiastically about her experience. “I am very proud to study at a school named after communist revolutionary To Hieu. I was deeply moved when I took part in historical heritage trips to the Son La Prison special national relic site, visited the To Hieu peach tree and learned about the history of this place,” she said.

This summer, My had the honour of taking part in the outdoor theatrical production “Hell on Earth”, which recreates the history of the prison. The experience, she said, deepened her understanding of and pride in her homeland’s revolutionary traditions and strengthened her determination to study harder and become a better student in order to live up to the sacrifices and contributions of previous generations.

As the province commemorates the August Revolution (August 19) and National Day (September 2) and seeks to make local history truly resonate with younger generations, youth organisations at all levels have proactively launched a wide range of practical and meaningful activities.

Kieu Tien Luong, Secretary of the Youth Union of Tay Bac University, said the university has nearly 6,000 students. Its Youth Union regularly organises political and ideological education programmes, including “A Lesson in Becoming a Communist,” “One Good News Every Day, One Beautiful Story Every Week,” flag-raising political activities and the “The Flag I Love” programme. Young people also take part in journeys to former revolutionary bases and extracurricular activities at historical relic sites.

These initiatives are complemented by volunteer campaigns that give students opportunities to gain practical experience and make meaningful contributions, helping shape their outlook and actions while nurturing a sense of responsibility, patriotism and a desire to serve the community and country.

Guided by the spirit of “Wherever there is a need for young people, they are there; wherever there is a difficult task, young people will take it on,” Son La’s youth have left a strong mark through their Youth Union activities.

Over the past five years, more than 200,000 youth union members have participated in volunteer campaigns, carrying out more than 6,000 projects and initiatives. They have repaired and built more than 270 kilometres of rural roads, helped eliminate more than 500 temporary houses and implemented numerous other community infrastructure projects, mobilising an estimated 73 billion VND (7.29 million USD) in social resources. These efforts have further affirmed the pioneering role of the younger generation.

Proud of the great victory of the August Revolution and determined to carry forward the legacy of the National Salvation Youth, the Standing Committee of the provincial Youth Union considers traditional education a key and continuous priority.

Lo Manh Cuong, Deputy Secretary of the provincial Youth Union, said political and ideological education for young people is constantly being renewed to reflect real-life conditions and the specific circumstances of each locality. The focus, he noted, is on practical approaches that allow revolutionary ideals to take root in the minds of young people while creating opportunities for them to learn and contribute.

Looking back on the historic journey of the past, the unyielding flame kindled by the Party cell at Son La Prison continues to light the way, providing an invaluable source of spiritual strength for today’s generation. Deeply conscious of their heritage and filled with pride and gratitude, Son La’s young people are determined to turn their aspirations into action and dedicate their youth to building a prosperous, beautiful homeland and a stronger Vietnam./.