The Xuan Mai 1 Cultural Center in northern Vinh Phuc province, which is sponsored by the South African Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City, is open to the public on Jan 22.

The center, located at Phuc Yen town and built with a VND300 million (US$14,151) investment, will provide locals with a place to hold exchanges, cultural communal activities and preserve the community’s traditional craft items.

It will also serve as a wholesome playground for local kids.

Honorary Consul for South Africa in Vietnam, Do Thi Kim Lien, also presented the center management with equipment and handed over 20 gifts to local elderly people and war veterans.

Lien also donates VND50 million in cash and 1,000 new clothing items, worth some VND100 million, to kids in flood-affected and border areas in Tuoi Tre’s annual “Ao Tet tang ban” (Tet clothes for you) charity program.