Changes in the Cham ethnic minority region

Thanks to investment resources from national target programs and social welfare policies, the material and spiritual lives of the Cham people in An Giang have improved significantly, with many households achieving stable livelihoods.

Warmth of the Royal Haji season

Following the administrative merger, An Giang province covers an area of ​​nearly 10,000 km² and has a population of nearly 5 million people, of which 21,594 are Cham people, accounting for 0.43% of the population, concentrated mainly in the communes of Chau Phong, Vinh Hau, Vinh Hanh, My Duc, Nhon Hoi, and Khanh Binh. The province currently has 2,381 poor ethnic minority households, accounting for 2.53% of the population, with Cham households accounting for 0.11% and near-poor households accounting for 0.2% of the total number of ethnic minority households in the province. These figures clearly demonstrate the effectiveness of social welfare, poverty reduction, and sustainable development policies in ethnic minority areas.

In the days leading up to the Roya Haji festival of the Cham people, a joyful atmosphere permeates the Cham villages along the Hau River. Amidst the vibrant colors of their traditional costumes and the lively laughter around the mosques, the Cham people are further delighted to receive the attention of the Party committees and authorities at all levels. During the Roya Haji festival, the province organized five delegations to visit and congratulate mosques, smaller mosques, religious leaders, influential figures, policy beneficiary families, and exemplary Cham households throughout the province.

In the warm atmosphere of the visits, provincial leaders cordially inquired about the living conditions, production, education of their children, and religious activities of the Cham people. Many households shared their joy at the increasingly stable lives, improved roads, attention to their children's education, and the timely and practical implementation of social welfare policies. Mr. Mach Sa Les, Deputy Head of the Provincial Islamic Community Representative Board and Imam of Khay Ri Yah Mosque in Nhon Hoi commune, shared: “The Cham people have always received the attention of the Party and the State through many practical policies. On every holiday and festival, leaders at all levels visit and encourage them, creating more trust and cohesion within the community.”

The provincial delegation also visited and presented gifts to families receiving preferential treatment, exemplary Cham households, and influential figures within the community. Handshakes and warm inquiries about their lives, work, and children's education made the Tet holiday atmosphere even warmer and more meaningful. Mr. Mach Ta Re, an influential figure among the Cham community in Vinh Hau commune, expressed: "These gifts contain the care and affection of the Party and the State, making the people feel appreciated and strengthening their trust in the Party's policies and the State's guidelines."

The Cham people of Chau Phong commune preserve and promote the traditional brocade weaving craft. Photo: DANH THANH

Helping each other escape poverty

Previously, the family of Ms. Sa Ron, residing in Roc La hamlet, Tay Yen commune, was considered one of the disadvantaged families in the locality. Every day, she and her husband worked as laborers and engaged in small-scale trading to make ends meet. Despite years of careful saving, the family still couldn't afford to repair their dilapidated house. Seeing their difficult circumstances, neighbors pooled money to buy a sewing machine and provided fabric so she could open a sewing shop at home, which gradually improved their family's life. "Thanks to the help of the neighbors, I have a stable job and time to take care of my children and family. Now, when I see someone in need, I want to contribute a little to help them improve their lives," Ms. Sa Ron said.

Many Cham households in the province are gradually stabilizing their lives thanks to the attention of the Party and the State, and the spirit of solidarity within the community. In mid-April, Mr. A No's family, residing in Phum Soai hamlet, Chau Phong commune, was delighted to receive support from the Provincial Islamic Community Representative Board to build a solidarity house. The 32m² house, with a total construction cost of approximately 90 million VND, was funded through the efforts of Ms. Siti Hara, a member of the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front and a member of the Provincial Islamic Community Representative Board. Celebrating Roya Haji this year in his new home, Mr. A No emotionally said: “We are very happy and grateful for the support in building this house and for the concern shown by the Provincial Islamic Community Representative Board. With a stable place to live, my wife and I feel secure and will strive to improve our lives.”

The rural landscape of Chau Phong commune is gradually improving. Currently, the commune has over 12,890 households, of which more than 1,260 are Cham people, mainly concentrated in the two hamlets of Phum Soai and Chau Giang. In recent years, thanks to resources from the national target program for socio -economic development in ethnic minority and mountainous areas, the locality has implemented many practical projects and activities, contributing to improving the material and spiritual lives of the Cham people.

Chau Phong commune also pays special attention to education and vocational training. The commune has opened literacy classes and basic vocational training classes for hundreds of students. Through these vocational training classes, many workers have gained additional skills, found stable jobs, gradually increased their income, and risen out of poverty sustainably. According to Nguyen Van Hop, Vice Chairman of the Chau Phong Commune People's Committee: “The national target program has truly created momentum for positive changes in the Cham ethnic minority areas of Chau Phong commune. Many issues such as employment, housing, clean water, and the preservation of traditional cultural values ​​have been addressed promptly, contributing to improving the lives of the Cham people.”

RENOWNED CITY

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/doi-thay-o-vung-dong-bao-cham-a486742.html