• Ensuring fire safety in amusement and shopping areas.
  • Farmers enter the "digital arena"
  • General Secretary : We must not allow the mentality of 'January is a month for leisure and revelry' to persist.

Rich in the spirit of the countryside

Amidst the hustle and bustle of modern life, the broom-making craft in Chu Mia hamlet quietly maintains its own unique rhythm. There, each family is a "small workshop," and each resident is a diligent craftsman. Hands calloused by years of hard work meticulously arrange coconut fibers, tightly bind each loop of string, creating sturdy brooms – familiar household items cherished in countless homes.

The broom-making cooperative in Chu Mia hamlet, Khanh Hung commune, has 17 members and supplies tens of thousands of coconut brooms to the market each year.

No sophisticated technology is needed; the people here only require coconut fiber, nylon thread, and skillful hands. Behind this simplicity lies a wealth of experience passed down through generations. Each broom is not just a product, but also a memory – a memory of childhood days growing up beside coconut groves, of the sweat of hardworking women, and of a life closely connected to nature.

From the early days when broom-making materials consisted of reeds growing along rivers and canals, to the point where the raw materials became scarce, the people flexibly switched to utilizing coconut fibers. This flexibility not only kept the craft alive but also opened up a more sustainable path: coconut fiber brooms are durable, environmentally friendly, and increasingly popular in the market. And from that foundation, the skillful hands of the women continue to create, breathing life into each new product, such as brooms made from palm leaf stalks, a testament to the enduring vitality of a rural craft.

Ms. Le Thi Mai, from Chu Mia hamlet, has been involved in the broom-making craft for over 70 years now.

At 70 years old, Ms. Le Thi Mai remains dedicated to her craft, considering it an indispensable part of her life. Each year, thousands of brooms are made by her hands, weathered by time. For her, it's not just a job, but also a joy, a way to live independently, not dependent on her children or grandchildren. A complete broom requires many meticulous steps: from stripping and drying the coconut husks, selecting and arranging the coconut fibers evenly, tying each layer tightly, to making the handle and finishing the broom. All of this demands patience and experience. The broom may look simple and rustic, but it embodies the care and dedication of the craftswoman.

Preserve and spread

Besides preserving traditional values, the broom-making craft also opens up practical livelihoods for many rural workers, especially women and the elderly. Without leaving their hometowns and without time pressure, they can still earn extra income right at home.

For Mrs. Le Thi Hoc, the simple joys of old age are the leisurely moments spent making brooms for hire. Each coconut fiber she handles becomes a small but steady source of income, helping her to live a more independent life. "Small contributions add up," and each month she earns a few million dong, not a large sum, but enough to cover her daily expenses.

Ms. Le Thi Hoc regularly makes coconut brooms for hire for members of the Cooperative, earning 5,000 VND per finished broom. She makes 50 brooms a day.

In fact, many households in Chu Mia hamlet have improved their lives thanks to this profession. On average, each worker can earn 3-4 million VND per month, depending on the quantity of products. More importantly, it is a sustainable source of income, suitable for rural conditions during the off-season.

To prevent the craft from dying out, the Women's Union of the commune established a broom-making cooperative, attracting 17 members who are women with many years of experience in the trade. The cooperative not only fosters collaboration but also supports the women in improving their skills, promoting their products, and finding markets. As a result, the coconut brooms are no longer confined to the hamlet and commune but are gradually reaching further, to many other localities.

Ms. Phan Cam Loan, President of the Women's Union of Khanh Hung commune, shared.

In an age of convenient industrial products, coconut fiber brooms still hold a special place thanks to their durability, eco-friendliness, and familiarity. But more than just a tool, they are a product embodying the diligence and dynamism of women, preserving the soul of the countryside through the simplest things.

And every day, in Chu Mia hamlet, the sounds of stripping coconut leaves and bundling brooms continue to echo regularly, like a quiet affirmation: there are values, however simple, that are strong enough to endure through the years.

Kieu Nuong

Source: https://baocamau.vn/choi-cong-dua-sinh-ke-ben-bi-tu-hon-que-a127129.html