The village elder with "four excellences," the first Co Tu person to earn a university degree.

Elder Bríu Pố, from Arớh village (Tây Giang commune, Da Nang), is known by the locals as the "four-talented village elder" – excelling in learning, economic development, cultural preservation, and community mobilization. Amidst the mist-shrouded villages, he has been a pillar of support for the Cơ Tu community for many years.

Born in 1949 in the remote mountainous region of Tay Giang, Briu Po ​​grew up in villages perpetually shrouded in clouds. For him, learning to read and write was not only about expanding his knowledge but also about helping more people. Through persistent pursuit of education, he became the first Co Tu person to earn a bachelor's degree.

"If I could learn to read and write, I could help more people," he recalled.

In 1977, after graduating from Thai Nguyen University of Education, he returned to his hometown and began a career dedicated to local education and culture. From an officer in the Education Department of Hien District (formerly), to a high school principal, and then to an officer in the cultural department, he was always dedicated and deeply involved with the grassroots in every position he held.

Since 1989, Mr. Bríu Pố was elected Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of the People's Committee of Lăng commune (formerly). During those years, he went from village to village, from house to house, to persuade people to abandon outdated customs, change their production mindset, and gradually escape from hunger and poverty.

As the first Co Tu person to earn a university degree and with nearly 40 years of Party membership, village elder Briu Po ​​is a pillar of support for the Tay Giang community.

In 2006, after retiring, during a trip to the forest, old Bríu Pố noticed the thick growth of purple ginseng vines under the canopy of the old forest – a medicinal herb that people often harvested to trade for rice. He wondered, "If this plant can survive in the Tây Giang forest, why can't it survive on my farm?"

Without hesitation, he brought home 100 cuttings to try, preparing the soil, cutting the vines, and marking the roots and tips for propagation. At the time, many people ridiculed him, saying that the ginseng root was a "plant of heaven," only able to survive in the deep forest, and would die if planted in the fields. But the plant did not disappoint him. After a while, the ginseng roots took root, covering the entire hillside with greenery. "At that time, I knew for sure that the villagers had another way out of poverty," he recalled.

Purple ginseng, brought from the forest by the elderly Bríu Pố for experimental cultivation, has now become a livelihood for many Cơ Tu households.

Starting with a few experimental plots, he expanded the area to over 1 hectare, planting thousands of ginseng plants. At one point, the selling price of purple ginseng reached 500,000 VND/kg, bringing his family a stable income of over 100 million VND per year.

Instead of keeping his "secret" to himself, Elder Bríu Pố encouraged the villagers to plant together. During village meetings, he meticulously instructed them on how to select seeds, prepare the soil, and care for the plants.

When the model proved effective, the government provided support in terms of capital, seeds, and technology. From Arớh village, the rehmannia plant spread throughout the commune and the Tây Giang region, becoming a key crop that helped many households escape poverty sustainably.

Thanks to his contributions in opening up new business opportunities and preserving the native species, the people of Tay Giang affectionately call him "King of Ba Kich" (a type of medicinal herb).

Many Co Tu households, following the economic model of elder Briu Po, have escaped poverty and their lives are becoming increasingly prosperous.

Artisans preserving the soul of Co Tu culture.

Not only is he a skilled businessman, but Elder Bríu Pố is also a "living encyclopedia" of Cơ Tu culture. He writes stories, composes poetry, has a talent for storytelling, plays the flute beautifully, and is especially a renowned sculptor.

From a young age, he accompanied his father and grandfather in building Gươl houses, learning every chisel stroke and every detail on the X'nur pillars, wooden statues, and longhouses. Over the years, he has become deeply knowledgeable in traditional sculpting techniques.

Elder Bríu Pố (center) and the villagers reenact the Katu people's ritual of giving thanks to the forest.

Now at the age of 76, he has created hundreds of sculptures, reliefs, ceremonial pillars, and ceremonial poles, and participated in the restoration of many original Gươl houses and longhouses in Tây Giang. In 2019, Elder Bríu Pố won first prize at the Cơ Tu ethnic group's wood carving workshop in Da Nang with his work "Mother Forest," and was awarded the title of Outstanding Artisan.

Elder Bríu Pố also dedicates much of his time and effort to passing on his craft to the younger generation. The village of Arớh currently has more than 10 young people pursuing the art of sculpting, including his grandson. "With someone to carry on the craft, the culture won't be broken," he shared.

For the people of Tay Giang, Briu Po, the "four-skilled village elder," is a symbol of dedication – a man who quietly preserves the soul of the mountains and forests for future generations.

Speaking with reporters, Mr. Arat Blui, Deputy Secretary and Chairman of the People's Committee of Tay Giang commune, said that for many years, Elder Briu Po ​​has been an important "bridge" between the government and the people. With his great prestige, he has always been exemplary and actively encouraged people to abandon outdated customs, preserve the forest and the village, and build a civilized way of life while maintaining their cultural identity.

"In the eyes of the people of Tay Giang, Elder Briu Po ​​is not only a respected village elder but also a mentor to the entire community: he shows the villagers how to do business to escape poverty and instills in the younger generation a sense of pride in their culture and the mountains and forests," said Mr. Arat Blui.