At the launch ceremony, the organising board also presented an international consolation prize to Ho Thi Que Chi from the Bac Ninh gifted school in Bac Ninh province, for her performance in 2008’s competition. Chi took first prize at last year’s UPU letter writing competition in Vietnam and went on to represent Vietnam in the international contest.

This year’s competition, with the theme “Writing a letter to someone to explain how decent working conditions can lead to a better life”, will enable students from all over the world to share their views and opinions on how better working conditions can help to improve the quality of life.

The winner will go on to represent Vietnam at the International Letter Writing Competition for Young People, organised by the UPU.

An awards ceremony will be held in June 2009 for the competition winners.