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The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) will select the winners from more than 100 entries received by the UPU.

Begun in 1971, the annual contest targets people who are 15 years old and below.

It is aimed at helping young people develop composition skills and subtly foster an appreciation for letter-writing, and contribute to international friendship.

The competition this year is on the theme of why the world needs tolerance.

In Vietnam it is held by the Ministry of Information and Communications, the Ministry of Education and Training, and the Central Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union.

They received nearly two million entries this year.

Here are some excerpts from Chi’s letter:

Dear Mr. Osama Bin Laden,

I am not sure if you will read this letter. But, if what I am writing is placed in front you, I hope you will be patient enough to read it fully.

You must laugh at me, an ordinary high school girl from a small country, daring to write to you. One of the reasons I write this is to help you find peace and a way to escape. Please do not look down on a 15-year-old girl’s words.

The events of September 11, 2001, have helped you shoot to fame. You must be proud of it, right? You may have a conflict with the US government but it does not mean you have the right to involve so many innocent people in your violent game.

I realize that in this life people always make choices and sometimes it is about what attitudes to have. So, why have you chosen anger and revenge instead of tolerance? At school, we are taught that “Life has many difficulties, challenges and sometimes even disappointment and sadness. Be brave to overcome them, and don’t lose faith and hope or give up your dreams.” You are older than I, but I wonder if you have understood this. Life is fair. Obstacles and adversity can confront us at any time and without warning. But, in exchange, we will discover the magic and great beauty of bravery and love.

Many innocent people lost their lives when the Twin Towers collapsed. Is it your goal? But are you sure you will be happy at seeing the loss of so many lives? You have chosen war and violence. How will this world be if those innocent people choose the same way? If you were wiser and had showed tolerance, innocent people would not be shedding tears.

One of the most difficult and precious things for humans is tolerance. It has been more than six years since the event took place. What do you think will lessen their [the families of your victims] pain? I believe it is tolerance. Everyone with a conscience understands what is lost can never be found again. We feel sorrow. We feel pain. But it does not mean we will take revenge like you. We are ready to forgive your actions if you realize your mistakes. But can you forgive yourself? To me, the remedy for all human diseases, mistakes, concerns, worries and guilt is love and tolerance. It has the power to create life. Don’t you believe in this?

Waves are not born by themselves, but are caused by winds from the ocean. Humans are the same. No one can live alone in this life. We have to live in the community and receive support from other people. It is the reason why the world needs tolerance. Tolerance is essential for all relationships that humans were, are and will be involved in. What is important to everyone is not to receive, but to give. I think it is God’s tolerance that you are still alive. You should be grateful for it instead of remaining angry.

People cannot do everything on their own. But they can do something meaningful in this life. You can do something useful for society if you can get rid of your rage and wake up the tolerance that hides deep inside your heart.

I hope it will happen though there is only a slim chance!

Goodbye!

By Thanh Nien staff