Golden Aspiration

Resurrection

Our destination was Bản Vàng Ngần. We stopped in front of a new home belonging to a family whose house had been damaged by a natural disaster. The couple, with radiant smiles, were filled with hope for a more stable life in the future, as they had a new home.

Vang Ngan – a land that suffered significant damage after the historic flood more than three years ago – has now transformed. Spacious, well-equipped houses have sprung up side by side, creating the scene of a prosperous highland village. Winding concrete roads, like soft silk ribbons, crisscross the rolling hills covered in lush green cinnamon trees, connecting villages and facilitating trade and travel for the local people.

This miraculous revival is not only the result of support from the government and social organizations, but also reflects the spirit of solidarity and tireless efforts of the local community. The people of Vang Ngan have overcome difficulties together, joining hands to rebuild their homeland into an increasingly prosperous place.

In addition to infrastructure improvements, cultural and educational life in Vàng Ngần has also received significant attention. Schools have been built with solid structures and modern equipment, creating the best possible conditions for local children to access knowledge. Cultural activities and traditional festivals have been restored and organized regularly, preserving ethnic identity and strengthening solidarity within the community.

Vang Ngan is one of the villages far from the commune center, but its officials are very active, enthusiastic, and know how to inspire unity and the strength of the people. From settled farming and resettlement to overcoming difficulties caused by natural disasters, the leadership and guidance of the Party branch have demonstrated that they have fostered a spirit of mutual support and solidarity, making Vang Ngan a model village in Suoi Quyen. This positive change has transformed Vang Ngan into a symbol of resilience and recovery after natural disasters, serving as an inspiration for many other localities in the reconstruction and sustainable development process.

The dream of "learning"

In Vàng Ngần, we spent most of our trip visiting and chatting with families in the village. In particular, we met many families with children of school age. What surprised us was the children's strong desire to learn, especially those who had just finished junior high school. Both boys and girls wanted to continue their education, whether it was high school, continuing education, or vocational training. Their goal was not only to gain more knowledge, but also to escape the hardships of farming corn and bamboo shoots, and especially to avoid getting married too early, right after turning 18.

Children in Suoi Quyen commune yearn to study in order to build their homeland.

Phung A Sang, the 9th-grade boy we met, said with bright eyes: "I want to go to vocational college so I can get a job and have a stable income to help my parents escape poverty."

This aspiration is not unique to A Sang, but shared by many other children in the village. They don't want to remain trapped in the poverty and hardship their grandparents and parents experienced. They want to break free from their village, learn more, and take control of their own lives. However, the biggest challenge now is convincing their parents. They remain hesitant, especially their daughters. By the age of 18, many families are already thinking about their daughters getting married. Sending their daughters to vocational school or college seems like a distant dream for many parents. But if these children have the opportunity to study, their future will be much brighter.

During our friendly conversations, we also met an old friend – Phung Ton Pham. When we first met, Pham was just a schoolboy, but now he has become a commune leader, a pioneer in local development activities. It was fortunate that our group included a teacher who had previously worked in Suoi Quyen.

Meeting his former teacher again, Pham couldn't hide his emotion and began humming a few lines of poetry he had composed himself: "Looking towards Nghia Lo not far away / The clouds and wind fill my heart with mixed emotions." The poem not only praises the beauty of his homeland but also reflects on the journey he has taken. Pham confided, "If it weren't for education, I probably wouldn't have been able to overcome the difficulties and hardships of life and would never have been able to grow into the person I am today."

Pham's story became a great source of motivation and inspiration for the young people in the village, affirming that only education can change lives. That day, we sat together, teachers and old friends reminiscing about life. Amidst the simple food, we shared a common thought: "Education" is the best path to changing lives, whether in the past, present, or future. This path will not be easy, but it is a crucial journey that must be instilled in every family and every village.

Looking at the positive changes in Vang Ngan, I believe that, in the not-too-distant future, the people here will no longer have to worry about hunger and poverty, but will have access to knowledge, and will be able to travel far and return to build their homeland. And then, every house nestled in the mountains and hillsides will be filled with faith and hope for a brighter future. This trip has given us much to ponder. The aspirations and dreams of the people of the Vang Ngan highlands are like seeds gradually sprouting and growing stronger.

Suoi Quyen is a particularly disadvantaged commune in Van Chan district, with the majority of its population being Dao ethnic minorities. In previous years, transportation was difficult, and income was primarily based on agriculture and forestry with limited arable land. However, in recent years, Suoi Quyen, including Vang Ngan village, has undergone significant transformation. Thanks to support from government programs and projects, and the efforts of the local authorities and the people of various ethnic groups, Vang Ngan has seen many positive changes.

Mr. Dung

Source: https://baoyenbai.com.vn/12/349097/Khat-vong-Vang-Ngan.aspx