The island is home.
“Let’s register to live on the island, shall we? It’ll change our lives and contribute a small part to preserving our homeland’s seas and islands.” Following her husband Nguyen Tan Ngoc’s (38 years old) persuasion more than three years ago, Mai Thi Ut Lan (35 years old) and her son Nguyen Mai Huu Phuc registered to become residents of Sinh Ton Island, in accordance with the government’s policy.
Ms. Ut Lan said that previously, on the mainland, her husband went to sea while she stayed home to take care of the children. When registering, she was a little worried because she couldn't imagine what the houses would be like, what the living space and other conditions would be like, and whether she could adapt to the new life.
“Unexpectedly, out here, the houses for the settlers are very sturdy, fully furnished, and surrounded by lush greenery. My husband joined the militia here, while I stayed home to take care of the family and children. Life is simple and warm. My husband and I have added joy to our lives with the birth of our little daughter on the island; her name is Nguyen Mai Kha Han, and she is now one year old,” shared Ms. Ut Lan.
Ms. Le Thi Minh Dieu's family also had many worries when they applied to live on Truong Sa Lon Island. Not being from a seafaring background, the thought of spending their lives in the vast ocean kept her awake many nights. However, after living on the island with her husband and children for a while, her family adapted to their new life.
Ms. Dịu shared that living conditions are not as comfortable as on the mainland, with limited electricity and fresh water, but in return, the climate is clean, life is not hectic, and most importantly, the whole family can always be together every day.
Let's nurture our home together.
On the islands of the Truong Sa archipelago, houses are built close together, with trellises of gourds and loofahs in front of the gates, carefully tended by the married couples. Life on the islands is still difficult, but the residents always live harmoniously, treating their neighbors like family. When a family has a problem, everyone pitches in to help. For the settled families, besides the support from the officers and soldiers, there is also the collective effort of the family members to build a peaceful home.
Ms. Ho My Han and Mr. Pham Thuc (both 44 years old) have been living on Sinh Ton Island for 3 years. She says her main job is housework, and in her free time she engages in farming, growing vegetables and raising chickens for eggs; her husband is a militia member, working in security on the island. The couple each has their own responsibilities, but most importantly, they share a common love, care, and commitment to raising their children.
“On the island, I joined the Women's Association, and whenever we had the chance, we would participate in singing, dancing, and cooking together. Holidays and festivals were very joyful and heartwarming. The island commander, officers, and soldiers were very supportive and caring, and they even organized folk festivals,” said Ms. My Han.
Ms. Ut Lan shared: “Back in our hometown, my husband often went to sea, and every rainy and stormy season, the whole family worried a lot. Now, life is more comfortable and peaceful, which is something every woman longs for. Every day, we take our children to and from school together. Communication from the island to the mainland is much easier now; we frequently call to check on our parents and relatives, and it doesn't feel so far away anymore.” Continuing the conversation, Ms. Ut Lan shared that her parents back home are very proud that their children have a new life here, are more independent, more responsible, and more caring towards others.
Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Quy and Ms. Phan Thi Kim Van, a married couple living at house number 5 on Da Tay A Island, shared that each family experiences many changes in their lives and experiences when they come here. In this remote place, each person cherishes their spouse even more, as they are always by their side.
"There's no social media here, no noisy streets or traffic, just my family and a few neighbors. Because we love each other, we argue less. If my wife and I are unhappy about something, we give each other feedback and listen to each other more," said Mr. Ngoc Quy.
"Because there aren't many students on the island, the teachers can provide more individual attention and instruction to each student. We also feel quite secure about healthcare because the doctors are very attentive to the people living on the island," shared Ms. Le Thi Minh Dieu, a resident of Truong Sa Lon Island.
Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/mai-am-noi-dao-xa-post859526.html
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