Each residential area - A cornerstone of happiness

In Lao Cai, improving the happiness index doesn't start with distant things, but is built from within the family, from each residential area – where people live, are connected, and feel the changes most clearly every day.

By the end of 2025, the appearance of many residential areas in the province had undergone significant changes. The transportation network had been invested in, and people's lives had improved.

Throughout the province, 75.5% of residential areas have achieved the title of "Culturally Advanced Residential Area," an increase of over 3% compared to 2020; approximately 90% of residential areas effectively implement civilized practices in weddings, funerals, and festivals; and 85% of residential areas are free of drug addicts. Notably, the happiness index of the people reached 68.3%, an increase of over 10% after 5 years. These figures demonstrate that happiness is being formed from concrete changes at the grassroots level.

In Ngoi Dong residential area, Au Lau ward, life is simple but stable. Most households maintain small-scale production and family businesses . For many years, the residential area has consistently held the title of "Culturally Advanced Residential Area," with over 90% of families achieving the "Culturally Advanced Family" status.

It's worth noting that social vices are almost non-existent here, and security and order are well maintained. Mr. Nguyen Quoc Lieu, a resident of Ngoi Dong neighborhood, shared: "We understand that a peaceful family and harmonious neighbors are all we need to be happy." This simple way of thinking is the foundation for the long-term stability of the residential area.

In Dong Quyt residential area, Au Lau ward, in addition to maintaining a cultured lifestyle, residents also focus on building a better living environment. The roads within the residential area are paved with concrete and equipped with streetlights; many roads are managed by local associations and are regularly cleaned and planted with flowers.

Ms. Phan Thi Hoi, a resident of Dong Quyt neighborhood, said: “Here, the alleys and streets are always clean, with trees, bright lights, and convenient transportation for residents. Sports and cultural activities are also maintained, so the spiritual life is very rich.” Compared to Ngoi Dong, Dong Quyt has the added advantage of beautiful scenery and community activities, thus creating a vibrant and cohesive atmosphere in its own way.

While the two residential areas in Au Lau ward focus on maintaining a traditional lifestyle and improving the environment, residential group No. 4 in Nghia Lo ward stands out for its democratic approach and the active participation of residents. Currently, 98% of households in the group have achieved the title of "Culturally Advanced Family"; and in the 2021-2025 period, only two households remain classified as poor. Two self-managed roads, overseen by the women's association, are regularly maintained, contributing to a transformation of the residential area's appearance.

Mr. Nguyen The Tao, from residential group No. 4, Nghia Lo ward, said: "Previously, people also did these things, but it was spontaneous. Since the policy of building culturally advanced residential groups was implemented, everything has been discussed and agreed upon, so everyone participates." This consensus helps make the activities more meaningful.

Compared to other residential areas, Nghia Lo ward's strength lies in the proactiveness and sense of responsibility of its residents.

Ms. Pham Thi Gam, head of residential group No. 4, shared: "We always keep everything open and transparent so that people can discuss and participate together. When people trust us, everything goes smoothly."

In Doan Ket village, Lien Son commune, economic development has made a significant impact. The village has 146 households with 592 inhabitants, of which over 50% are ethnic Muong people. In recent years, residents have boldly converted nearly 5 hectares of low-yield rice land to vegetable cultivation, and many households have developed beekeeping for honey production. As a result, the average income has reached approximately 53 million VND per person per year; the number of poor households has decreased from over 30 to only 3 poor households and 2 near-poor households. Notably, 95% of households have achieved the title of "Culturally Advanced Family," the village is free from outdated customs, and there are no drug addicts.

The Muong ethnic people celebrate the festival.

Mr. Vi Van Quoc from Doan Ket village shared: "Since switching to beekeeping and growing vegetables, our income has become more stable. Life is less difficult, and people are more actively involved in community activities."

It can be seen that as economic living standards improve, people also have more opportunities to pay attention to their spiritual lives.

Each place has its own approach, but the common point is that the people play the main role, working together in solidarity to build their residential areas. According to local cultural leaders, building cultural life in residential areas is a long-term task that must start with small things and with the people themselves. When each residential area becomes a livable place, the goal of improving the province's happiness index will have a solid foundation.

According to the Resolution of the Lao Cai Provincial Party Congress, the goal is to achieve a 72% happiness index for the people by 2030. To realize this goal, the province has identified key solutions to build happy families, develop cultural residential areas, link economic development with environmental protection, ensure social security, preserve cultural identity, and improve the quality of grassroots governance. Happiness will be nurtured from each individual, spreading through each residential area, to collectively build a green, harmonious, distinctive, and trustworthy Lao Cai.

Source: https://baolaocai.vn/moi-khu-dan-cu-mot-diem-tua-hanh-phuc-post899132.html