During the Lunar New Year, Yang Lanh hamlet in Buon Don commune ( Dak Lak province) appears with clean concrete roads leading to each house, its bright red tiled roof standing out against the green of the vast forest. Few would imagine that this place was once a particularly disadvantaged hamlet in the commune, with over 93% of its population being ethnic minorities, and the percentage of poor and near-poor households reaching nearly 65% ​​in 2024.

Throughout this journey of change, the influence of Mr. Y Von Niê, a respected figure in the village, has been consistently present like a silent, unwavering source. For him, mobilizing the masses was not just empty talk, nor was it limited to general propaganda sessions. He went to each house, listened to each worry and difficulty, and worked with the villagers to find solutions. In this process, he and the Yang Lành Village Front Committee identified social welfare as the key direction.

Elder Y Thong Kdoh, along with border guards, disseminated legal information to people in the border area of ​​Dak Lak province.

In 2025, Yang Lanh village completed and exceeded the targets of the "gratitude and repayment" and "for the poor" campaigns, with a highlight being the construction of 6 new "Great Solidarity" houses, providing homes for disadvantaged households. This is not only a source of support from all levels but also the culmination of the spirit of sharing within the community. With stable housing and gradually improving living standards, people can confidently engage in production, opening up new avenues for family economic development .

The spring atmosphere these days also permeates Tri village, Buon Don commune, where the image of village elder Y Thong Kdoh walking alongside officers and soldiers of the Serepok Border Guard Post (Dak Lak Provincial Border Guard Command) has become familiar for many years. For the people here, he is a solid pillar in building a "people's defense" in the border region.

Taking advantage of the time when villagers returned from the fields or during community gatherings, village elder Y Thong Kdoh, along with border guards, patiently went to each house, having heartfelt conversations with each person. He spoke in his mother tongue, drawing on his experience, gently but profoundly: "Homemade guns don't bring rice; they only bring danger to oneself and one's family."

That perseverance changed the perception of Ms. H'Nghĩa Mlô and her husband. Previously, the family used homemade guns for hunting; after many attempts at persuasion and convincing arguments, she voluntarily surrendered the illegal weapons. In response to this self-awareness, the border guards not only provided essential supplies but also encouraged Ms. H'Nghĩa Mlô's family to focus on their work and stabilize their lives.

Mr. Y Von Niê (in white shirt) and Border Guard soldiers from Dak Lak province are chatting with local residents.

Through these concrete actions and humane approach, a strong ripple effect has spread throughout the border commune of Buôn Đôn. The Serepok Border Guard Post, along with village elders and influential people, coordinated efforts to encourage residents to voluntarily surrender dozens of homemade guns and hundreds of rounds of ammunition...

Buon Don is a border commune where 15 ethnic groups live together, with nearly 7,000 inhabitants. Within the commune, there are 8 influential individuals and 7 village elders who are trusted by the people. They are the ones who silently connect the Party's will with the people's hearts through their prestige and responsibility.

Comrade Le Thanh Son, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Buon Don commune, affirmed: In the unique conditions of a border commune, the role of village elders and influential people is very important. They are an extension of the local government, from campaigning to eliminate outdated customs and surrender illegal weapons to combating distorted narratives that divide national unity and the close bond between the military and the people.

    Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/xa-hoi/dan-toc-ton-giao/dak-lak-nhung-cot-moc-song-giua-dai-ngan-1026514