Gathering simple things

1. Born into a country suffering under imperialist oppression, at the age of 16, Mrs. Hai Ngoan (residing in Tan Thanh commune, Tay Ninh province) asked her family for permission to join the revolution. Seeing that their daughter was too young, her family advised her to wait a few more years; however, she could not wait any longer. In 1973, she was elected to the position of Member of the Provincial Youth Union Executive Committee, and from then on, she officially dedicated herself to the revolution.

Despite her young age, Hai Ngoan proved to be quick-witted, resourceful, and courageous. The enemy's bombs and bullets did not frighten or deter this young girl in the prime of her youth. Even injuries and near-death experiences while guiding soldiers could not break her will and patriotism.

“Once, I went to Cambodia with my comrades to bring soldiers back, but the battlefield was too fierce, so we couldn’t return and were stuck there for nearly six months. At that time, almost none of us knew what fear was; we were young and strong, and we just poured all our heart and soul into completing any mission we received,” Mrs. Hai Ngoan said slowly.

After the country was reunified, like many others, she had the opportunity to study, something that had previously been a luxury dream for her. “At that time, I was studying and working at the same time. Life was full of ups and downs and difficulties, but everything eventually passed,” shared Mrs. Hai Ngoan. Throughout her career, she earned the trust and respect of her colleagues. In 2000, she held the position of Deputy Secretary of the Tan Thanh District Party Committee until her retirement.

2. In 2010, she retired. After nearly 40 years of dedication, it was the right time for Mrs. Hai to rest. However, encouraged by the local authorities, she continued to participate in the Elderly Association of Tan Thanh District (now comprising Tan Thanh, Nhon Hoa Lap, Nhon Ninh, and Hau Thanh communes), continuing to contribute to caring for the elderly in the locality. As a leading figure, she motivated the local associations to operate effectively and provide practical care for the elderly in Tan Thanh, Nhon Hoa Lap, Nhon Ninh, and Hau Thanh communes.

Every year, Mrs. Hai Ngoan, along with the Elderly Association, mobilizes thousands of gifts for elderly people in the local area. (In the photo: Mrs. Hai Ngoan (standing in the middle) visiting and giving gifts to elderly people in Tan Thanh.) (Photo: Provided by the interviewee)

Having risen through the ranks from the grassroots, she maintains a warm, attentive, and considerate demeanor, listening to the concerns of the members, and thus promptly advising the Party committee and government on improving the quality of the Elderly Association's activities in the locality.

During her 15 years of service to the Association, the most significant mark she left was the sustainable development of the Association of Elderly People in the locality. Elderly people participating in the Association's activities covered almost the entire area, creating an important resource for caring for its members. Many new models and effective practices continued to be replicated, most notably the intergenerational clubs, a model deeply rooted in human values, promoting self-care and mutual support among the elderly in the community, and which is still maintained in many localities.

In addition, she actively campaigned for social mobilization and supplementary funding to organize major activities of the Association, contributing to enhancing the status and voice of the elderly in the political and social life of the locality.

Furthermore, activities aimed at improving the material and spiritual well-being of members are emphasized and implemented effectively and comprehensively. Each year, thousands of gifts are delivered directly to elderly people during holidays and festivals; hundreds of elderly people receive charitable housing or assistance with wheelchairs, free eye screenings, and free eye surgery. Timely visits and encouragement for those who are ill or in difficult circumstances are also prioritized, helping the elderly to "live happily, healthily, and usefully."

Besides caring for its members, she actively initiated and led the elderly in participating in patriotic emulation movements, building new rural areas and civilized urban areas. The "Tree Planting Festival in Eternal Gratitude to Uncle Ho" movement was implemented extensively, attracting a large number of members. More than 5,000 trees of various types were planted and well cared for by the elderly in Tan Thanh, Nhon Hoa Lap, Nhon Ninh, and Hau Thanh communes; dozens of rural traffic bridges and dozens of kilometers of roads were also repaired through the socialized efforts of the Association.

Thanks to Mrs. Hai Ngoan, the Tet tree planting movement has flourished in the Elderly Associations of Tan Thanh, Hau Thanh, Nhon Ninh, and Nhon Hoa Lap communes, with over 5,000 trees planted and well cared for. (In the photo: Mrs. Hai Ngoan next to the Tan Trao banyan tree at Tan Thanh Martyrs' Cemetery. This banyan tree was brought to the cemetery at her suggestion.)

The Elderly Association also participates in maintaining security and order, preventing and combating crime, and educating delinquent children in the locality. “These results are the collective effort of the entire group, especially the members at the grassroots level. I only play the role of a motivator,” said Mrs. Hai Ngoan. And it is precisely because of this enduring motivation that the elderly movement in the communes has been strengthened over the past 15 years.

From her youth to after retirement, Mrs. Hai Ngoan chose to dedicate her life to her homeland. Undeterred by difficulties and work, she persevered on her journey. Only at the age of 70 did Mrs. Hai Ngoan truly allow herself to rest, enjoying mornings and evenings with old friends and grandchildren.

Guilin

Source: https://baotayninh.vn/gop-nhat-dieu-gian-di-135847.html