Keng Du border commune is located about 70km from the center of Ky Son district, and has been the main settlement area for generations of Mong, Thai, and Kho Mu ethnic minorities. Many years ago, Keng Du was known for its remoteness, treacherous roads, and the countless difficulties faced by its people.

But at the same time, thanks to the major policies of the Party, the State, the local government, and the Border Guard, the border commune of Keng Du has been connected to the national power grid and has telephone coverage. Even better, the paved road connecting Muong Xen town in Ky Son district with the center of Keng Du commune is nearing completion. After many years, we were amazed to see that the center of the border commune is densely populated, with sturdy houses springing up close together, and many shops selling all kinds of household goods from clothes to televisions…

The Nghe An Provincial Farmers' Association, in coordination with the Keng Du Border Guard Station, donated breeding goats to the local people.

Keng Du Border Guard Station donated breeding pigs to poor households.

Through conversations with the locals, it was learned that most of the healthy young men in the commune have gone to work far away, bringing back money to build spacious houses and provide for their children's education. The villagers also affirmed that the officers and soldiers of the Keng Du Border Guard Post are always a reliable and solid support. Along with their duty of protecting the border, these soldiers in green uniforms participate in strengthening the grassroots political system, helping people develop the economy, and alleviating poverty.

To date, the Party Committee of Keng Du Border Guard Station has assigned five Party members to participate in Party activities at border village Party branches. These border guard officers have coordinated with the management board to propagate and encourage the people to comply well with the policies and laws of the Party and the State. The unit has also sponsored five students from disadvantaged families under the "Helping Children Go to School" program. These soldiers in green uniforms actively participate in helping the people repair and build houses and public works.

Officers from Keng Du Border Guard Post assist local people in building houses.
Soldiers joined the local people in repairing inter-village roads.

Furthermore, officers and soldiers of Keng Du Border Guard Station regularly mobilize resources and implement measures to help the people develop their economy .

Mr. Luong Pho Chan, from Quyet Thang village, said: “Many families here have received pigs, goats, and fruit trees as gifts from the Keng Du Border Guard Post. The unit also sends officers to guide the people on livestock farming and cultivation techniques to alleviate poverty. The people have great affection for the soldiers.”

Upon learning more about the project, it was discovered that since 2015, the Nghe An Provincial Farmers' Association, in coordination with the Nghe An Provincial Border Guard Command, has implemented a project for border guard posts to raise indigenous pigs with the aim of donating piglets to poor people in border areas. The Nghe An Provincial Farmers' Association provided funding to border guard posts to build pigpens and purchase breeding sows. Based on this, each unit is responsible for providing 20 piglets annually to local people. After nearly 10 years of implementation, border guard posts under the Nghe An Provincial Border Guard Command have donated thousands of piglets, helping local people to earn a livelihood and sustainably escape poverty. Among them, the Keng Du Border Guard Post is one of the units that has effectively implemented this meaningful project.

The Keng Du Border Guard Station Command presented financial support and gifts to the students sponsored by the unit.
Although not yet completed, many passenger buses on the Muong Xen - Keng Du route have already begun operating.

Speaking with us, Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Ngoc Tu, Political Officer of Keng Du Border Guard Station, affirmed: “Along with the task of protecting the border and maintaining peace in the area, the officers and soldiers of the unit always clearly understand the spirit and responsibility of helping people develop the economy and alleviate poverty. In recent years, the unit has coordinated with local authorities to implement many practical and effective methods.”

We left the border commune on a bus from Muong Xen to Keng Du and heard many more heartwarming stories from the locals about the changes in this once impoverished area. In their stories, the villagers often mentioned the kindness and support of the border guards towards the ethnic minority communities in the area.

Text and photos: HIEU AN