Published:  00:00 Friday - July 02, 2010

Vietnamese adolescents, who won writing and painting contest titled “Canada and red-haired Anne’s world”, were honoured at an awards ceremony in Hanoi on July 1.

The contest marked the first-time publication of “Anne of Green Gables” by the Canadian female writer L.M Montgomery in Vietnamese.

Addressing the ceremony, which was held by the Canadian Embassy in Vietnam, the Vietnam-Canada Friendship Association, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and Nha Nam Culture and Communications Joint Stock Company, Canadian Ambassador Deanna L. Horton expressed her wish that young Vietnamese people would continue to explore the land and culture of Canada.

Vice chairperson of the Vietnam-Canada Friendship Association Nguyen Thi Hoi thanked the Canadian Embassy and organisations for launching the contest that, she said, was a useful activity, contributing to boosting mutual understanding between people of the two countries.

A painting of Nguyen Hong Ngoc from the coastal province of Khanh Hoa won the special prize worth VND5 million and other gifts.

A total of four second, six third and eight consolation prizes were also presented to children from 15 cities and provinces, including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Long An, Vinh Phuc and Ha Nam.

“Anne of Green Gables” is a Canadian best-selling story telling about Anne, a red-haired orphan. Her optimism and imagination helps her overcome tragic past to see the best in things. The novel has been translated into 30 languages.