A shining example in the fight against poverty.

Besides the involvement of Party committees, government agencies, and mass organizations, there is also the silent but persistent contribution of many outstanding individuals. Businessman and veteran Nguyen The De - Vice Chairman of the Hanoi City Association of Veteran Entrepreneurs - is a shining example in this new era.

Businessman and veteran Nguyen The De. Photo: PV

Eradicating poverty - a command from the heart.

Born in 1954, enlisted in 1972 at the age of 18, veteran Nguyen The De endured years of fierce fighting on the Southern battlefield. Returning from the war with a 62% disability, he carried with him not only physical wounds but also profound memories of the sacrifices and support of the people and his comrades.

Those difficult years forged in him a steadfast worldview: Life is not just for oneself. After studying, working, and becoming a doctor of engineering, a leading expert in the construction field, and then achieving success in the real estate market, Mr. Nguyen The De never considered wealth as the ultimate goal. For him, doing business must be linked to social responsibility, especially towards disadvantaged rural areas and impoverished lives.

When asked what motivated him to remain committed to poverty alleviation activities for decades, businessman Nguyen The De simply replied: "I was cared for by the people during the war, so when I have the opportunity, I must repay them."

From that simple idea, he persistently carried out many practical actions, without ostentation or formality, focusing on the most basic needs of the poor: roads, housing, livelihoods, and education .

In his hometown of Tan Ky commune, Tu Ky district, Hai Duong province (now Tan Ky commune, Hai Phong city), businessman Nguyen The De initiated and directly supported the construction of many rural concrete roads. Previously, during the rainy season, village roads were muddy, making travel and transportation of agricultural products extremely difficult, and children's schooling was frequently interrupted.

The completed concrete roads not only facilitate daily life for the people but also create conditions for the development of household economies, gradually lifting them out of poverty. Many households shared that, thanks to the improved roads, trading and selling agricultural products is easier, income is more stable, and their living standards are gradually improving.

Providing livelihood support during the most difficult times.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, when the lives of people in many localities were extremely difficult, especially farmers in suburban areas, businessman Nguyen The De made a responsible decision: He purchased hundreds of tons of agricultural products from farmers in Tu Ky district (formerly Hai Duong province), then transported them to Hanoi to distribute them free of charge to people, quarantine areas, and lockdown zones.

This initiative not only helps farmers sell their produce, avoiding the situation of "bumper harvests leading to price drops," but also contributes to alleviating the difficulties faced by thousands of poor working families during this stressful pandemic period. This is an innovative and practical approach, demonstrating a mindset focused on poverty alleviation linked to livelihood support, rather than mere relief.

Houses of compassion - a safe haven for the poor.

Understanding that "a stable home is essential for a successful career," for many years, Mr. Nguyen The De has dedicated his heart and resources to building and donating houses of compassion to war veterans and disadvantaged families in many localities, such as Dan Phuong, Thuong Tin (formerly Hanoi), Quang Tri, etc.

Each house donated is not only a material asset but also a source of spiritual support, helping poor families feel secure in their work and production, and stabilize their lives. In particular, the houses for families of martyrs and wounded soldiers deeply reflect the principle of "drinking water, remembering the source," contributing to alleviating the pain and hardship of those who sacrificed and dedicated themselves to the country.

According to businessman Nguyen The De, sustainable poverty reduction must begin with education. With that in mind, for over 10 years (2014-2024), he has maintained an annual scholarship program for poor but studious students in the former Hai Duong province (now Hai Phong city).

Beyond providing financial support, he also personally met with and encouraged the children, instilling in them the belief that knowledge is the shortest path to escaping poverty and taking control of their lives. Many of them have grown up, attended university, found stable jobs, and become useful citizens to society.

For over 30 years, a beautiful tradition has been observed on the 28th day of the 12th lunar month: Mr. Nguyen The De returns to his hometown to personally meet and give gifts to young people preparing to enlist in the army and those who have just been admitted to university. These gifts may not be substantial in material value, but they contain profound encouragement, contributing to nurturing aspirations and a spirit of dedication among the younger generation.

This is also how he contributes to preventing poverty recurrence, because when young people have ideals, knowledge, and willpower, they will become the core force in socio-economic development in the locality.

Shining examples of Ho Chi Minh's soldiers in the new era.

At over 70 years old, and suffering from a terminal illness, businessman Nguyen The De remains dedicated to social activities, especially poverty alleviation. For him, this is not just a temporary act of charity, but a part of his responsibility as a former soldier to the people.

The "Good Person, Good Deed" award for 2025, presented by the Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee, is a well-deserved recognition of his persistent, quiet, yet extremely practical contributions to the community.

The example of businessman and veteran Nguyen The De shows that, under any circumstances, the qualities of a "Soldier of Uncle Ho" always shine brightly. These qualities include a spirit of daring to think and act, a sense of responsibility to the community, and a desire to contribute to the sustainable development of the country. His actions not only help many people escape poverty and stabilize their lives, but also spread profound humanitarian values, contributing to strengthening the people's trust in the Party and State's poverty reduction policies.

In addition to directly supporting the poor with material resources, businessman and veteran Nguyen The De also contributes to spreading the spirit of poverty alleviation through his role as a connector and leader in various organizations. As Vice Chairman of the Hanoi Veteran Entrepreneurs Association, he actively encourages members to participate in social welfare programs, directing charitable activities towards disadvantaged areas, remote regions, and places where people lack the conditions for sustainable economic development.

With his personal prestige and profound practical experience, he regularly shares his economic expertise coupled with social responsibility, encouraging veteran entrepreneurs to provide capital, technical advice, and job creation for the children of families receiving preferential treatment and impoverished households in the locality. Many small-scale production models and household economic models have been formed through this connection, helping people not only escape poverty but also have the opportunity to legitimately become wealthy.

Most admirable of all is his exemplary conduct through his actions. Without fanfare or ostentation, every action he takes stems from genuine understanding and compassion for the poor. This consistent and persistent effort has created a positive ripple effect in the community, fostering a spirit of mutual support and social responsibility among businesspeople and the general public.

Therefore, the example of businessman Nguyen The De is not only valuable today, but also serves as a lasting source of inspiration for sustainable poverty reduction efforts in the locality.

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