The pillar of the village

Currently, Bu Dop district has 25 influential figures among ethnic minority communities recognized by the Provincial People's Committee, including 3 women: Ms. Cao Thi Sau in Hamlet 3, Hung Phuoc commune; Ms. Lang Thi Men in Hamlet 5, Thanh Hoa commune; and Ms. Hoang Thi Sao in Tan Nghia hamlet, Tan Tien commune.

A bridge connecting the community.

Wearing two or three layers of sun-protective clothing, quickly securing a metal cage onto her old motorbike, and traveling throughout the commune to buy scrap metal – this is a typical day for Ms. Cao Thi Sau, a respected figure in Hamlet 3, Hung Phuoc Commune. Buying scrap metal is both her livelihood and a way for her to travel, easily connect with, listen to, and offer timely suggestions to improve the lives of the people in Hamlet 3.

Taking advantage of a brief break from her work, Mrs. Cao Thi Sau inquired about the living conditions of the people in the village.

Take the story of Ms. Nong Thi Tuc, a Nung ethnic woman from Hamlet 3. Facing difficult circumstances, Ms. Tuc received government assistance to build a house. However, for the past two years, her husband has been suffering from a serious illness, leaving her bedridden. She has been confined to housework and constantly caring for him. Their already difficult life has become even harder. In 2024, thanks to the timely intervention of Ms. Sau, her family received support from various levels of government in the form of two breeding cows, providing them with additional income and economic opportunities. Ms. Tuc said emotionally: "Ms. Sau came to visit and, seeing my situation, helped me very enthusiastically. With the timely government support, my family's life is gradually stabilizing."

2025 marks the fifth year that Mrs. Sau has been dedicated to her role as a respected community leader. Because her family's finances are not yet well-off, Mrs. Sau still works various jobs to make a living, such as collecting scrap metal and collecting rubber sap. However, having earned the trust and been elected as a respected community leader by the people and authorities, she always strives to fulfill her duties to the best of her ability. In particular, she still dedicates time to attending training courses for community leaders and working with local leaders to encourage residents of Hamlet 3 to comply with the Party's guidelines and policies, and the laws of the State.

Hamlet 3 has a large ethnic minority population and is located in a border area; therefore, the role of influential figures like Mrs. Sau is highly valued. Through her voice and prestige, she serves as a bridge connecting the people here, encouraging change, focusing on economic development, and adhering to the Party's guidelines and policies, as well as the State's laws.

Chairman of Hung Phuoc Commune People's Committee HOANG THANH THIEP

Hamlet 3 in Hung Phuoc commune has only over 16 households of ethnic minorities living near the border with Cambodia. Since taking on the role of a respected community leader, along with her specific work, Ms. Sau has gone "door to door" to spread awareness and encourage people to improve their lives every day. "If I didn't accept the job, I wouldn't, but once I accept it, I have to do it well. In some cases, if it's convenient, I stop by to buy scrap metal and chat with them, offering advice, but sometimes I have to go 2-3 times, and if I don't meet them during the day, I have to go at night. But I don't mind because I've contributed my efforts to help the people have a better life, and the locality where I live is developing more every day," Ms. Sau happily shared.

Leading by example

Having migrated from the northern provinces to settle and start a new life, the majority of Tay and Nung ethnic minorities in Hamlet 5, Thanh Hoa Commune, now enjoy a relatively prosperous economic life. With over 100 households, the ethnic minority people here work diligently, leading to strong economic development. However, some still cling to outdated customs, including the habit of burying the deceased in their gardens. This has been a major concern for Ms. Lang Thi Men, a respected figure in Hamlet 5. She, along with the Party branch secretary, hamlet head, and various associations and organizations, goes door-to-door to educate and persuade people to abandon these outdated practices. To date, people have gradually abandoned this habit, and Ms. Men continues to "educate" those who haven't yet grasped the issue, helping them understand and change. Ms. Men shared: "I have an advantage in terms of accent and culture, so when I speak to the people, they easily listen and follow my advice." Taking advantage of that strength, I, along with the village secretary and headman, went to people's homes, explaining "what is good and right" to them and gradually bringing about change.

Ms. Lang Thi Men, along with representatives from the Party Secretary and the head of Hamlet 5, Thanh Hoa Commune, visited homes to disseminate information and encourage residents to effectively implement the policies and guidelines of the Party and the State.

Visiting Tan Nghia hamlet, Tan Tien commune on weekends, you'll be greeted by the vibrant and lively sounds of the zither and the traditional folk songs. These are the cultural activities of the elderly members of the hamlet. Besides the elderly, young people also participate and learn how to play the zither and sing traditional folk songs. This activity is organized through the efforts and encouragement of Ms. Hoang Thi Sao, a respected figure in the hamlet. After their work hours, this is how they maintain and preserve the unique cultural heritage of their people.

Ms. Hoang Thi Sao (standing) converses with members of the Club of People Who Love Dan Tinh and Then Singing in Tan Nghia hamlet, Tan Tien commune.

Taking on multiple roles simultaneously, such as Head of the Village Front Committee and Head of the Village Elderly Association, Ms. Sao has become a pillar of support for the people in Tan Tien commune. She has effectively communicated information, policies, and guidelines from the Party and the State. Through this, the people have gained a better understanding and joined forces with the State in building and developing their homeland.

Ms. Sao is very enthusiastic about her work; she sets a good example, then goes around campaigning and explaining. She has credibility and "walks the talk," so wherever she goes, people respond positively.

Ms. Ha Thi Loi, a resident of Tan Nghia hamlet.

In 2024, Ms. Sao was honored at the "Pillar of the Village" program, jointly organized by the Communist Magazine, the Standing Committee of the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front, and the Border Guard Command. Ms. Sao happily stated: "I received these honors and prestigious titles because the members and people saw my active role and voted for me. From there, I continuously dedicate myself, doing everything that is 'good, beautiful, and effective' for the people, fulfilling my role well."

Ms. Hoang Thi Sao (right) discusses with villagers to ensure the effective implementation of the Party and State's guidelines and policies.

Out of a total of 331 influential figures in ethnic minority areas recognized by the Provincial People's Committee, Bu Dop district has 25, including 3 women. Although the number of women holding influential positions in ethnic minority areas is not large, they all perform their roles very well. Ms. Sau, Ms. Men, and Ms. Sao all use gentleness, skill, and flexibility in their methods to complete their tasks. Economic development and improved cultural and spiritual life are the clearest evidence of the changes in ethnic minority areas. Everyone is enthusiastically working, producing, participating in patriotic emulation movements, and contributing to building a more prosperous, beautiful, and civilized Binh Phuoc .

Source: https://baobinhphuoc.com.vn/news/9/171937/diem-tua-cua-ban-lang