Changing perceptions in Muong Tung is key to sustainable poverty reduction.

In the enthusiastic atmosphere of implementing the Resolution of the First Party Congress of Muong Tung commune, a highland commune in Dien Bien province is taking an important step: strengthening communication to raise awareness, considering this as the "key" for people to work together to achieve sustainable multidimensional poverty reduction.

Communication is not just about information, it's about empowerment.

Given its characteristics as a mountainous commune with a majority ethnic minority population, awareness of comprehensive poverty reduction remains limited. The poverty rate currently stands at 35.03%, and poverty alleviation is not yet truly sustainable. In light of this reality, immediately after the merger, the leaders of Muong Tung commune determined that, in addition to support policies and infrastructure investment, "proactive communication" is absolutely essential.

Mr. Nguyen Quang Hop, Chairman of the People's Committee of Muong Tung commune, said: To raise people's awareness of poverty alleviation, it is necessary to implement a comprehensive set of creative, practical, and life-oriented communication solutions. We must shift from one-way, imposed communication to dialogue and listening. Officials need to "go down to the kitchens and up to the fields," engaging directly in community activities and village meetings to clearly explain, address concerns, and work with people to develop poverty alleviation plans.

The commune regularly sends officials down to the villages and residential areas to disseminate information about the Party and State's policies on multidimensional poverty reduction. (Photo: Duy Linh)

Communication methods need to be diversified, combining modern and traditional approaches: from billboards, posters, and banners with concise, memorable messages (in both the common language and ethnic languages) placed in public places, to news reports and articles on online newspapers and social media, or short plays and skits staged by the people themselves. In particular, content should focus on typical "real-life" stories of households that have successfully escaped poverty by applying new techniques, changing crop structures, or providing education for their children.

"Only when the media can reach people's awareness, ignite their aspirations, and give them confidence and knowledge, will poverty reduction truly be sustainable," Mr. Hop emphasized.

Investing in media is investing in development.

Based on this understanding, Muong Tung commune proactively allocated funds and developed a communication plan, specifically: investing in a public address system reaching every village and residential area; establishing propaganda teams in each hamlet; and creating a system of banners, billboards, and posters throughout the commune. The commune directed the commune's service center to develop multilingual propaganda programs and post them on social media platforms such as Zalo, Facebook, and the commune's website.

Public address systems have been installed in villages and residential areas. (Photo: Duy Linh)

Mr. Nguyen Quang Hop also emphasized: "We believe that investment in media is as important as investment in a road or an irrigation project. It creates a favorable social environment, helping policies and projects 'reach the people' faster and more effectively. The message we want to spread is: 'Escaping poverty is the right and responsibility of every individual; the State provides support, but the people themselves must be the decision-makers.'"

The people are in agreement and acting together.

Speaking with us, Mr. Mua Thanh Son , Secretary of the Party Committee of Muong Tung commune, shared: "The Resolution of the Party Congress frankly pointed out that one of the reasons why poverty reduction is not sustainable is due to a segment of the population still having a mentality of waiting and relying on others. To change this, we have determined that we must make people understand that multidimensional poverty reduction is not just about having a house and food, but also about access to good healthcare and education services, stable employment, a clean living environment, and most importantly, having the awareness to strive for self-improvement. Systematic communication will help ignite the aspiration to escape poverty within each individual."

Local leaders regularly visit villages to listen to the opinions of the people. (Photo: Duy Linh)

Observations in Huoi Leng village, where many households are classified as poor, show a clear sense of enthusiasm. Ms. Ly Thi Dinh (Huoi Leng village) excitedly said: "Before, when I heard about poverty reduction, I only thought about support in the form of rice and money. Recently, after hearing explanations from commune and village officials, and seeing the banners displayed, I understood that poverty reduction also means ensuring children receive a full education, maintaining household hygiene, and learning effective farming and livestock raising techniques. Now that I understand, I realize I must also strive and not just wait forever."

Mr. Vang A Sua (Trung Dinh village) also shared: "Seeing the commune's determination to implement this, with banners hung everywhere, I believe this is a major and serious initiative. I myself am learning more fruit tree cultivation techniques from the commune's vocational training programs. To escape poverty, one must have knowledge and be willing to change."

A long journey ahead, and faith built on steady progress.

Communication efforts in Muong Tung are only in their initial stages. The journey to raise awareness and change the mindset of thousands of households remains challenging. However, with the proactive efforts of the government and the increasing consensus of the people, Muong Tung is creating a new wave of vitality. Each message conveyed, each banner displayed, is not merely information, but also ignites a flame of hope, inspiring a spirit of self-reliance and progress right on their homeland.

Prosperous villages nestle amidst the lush green mountains. (Photo: Duy Linh)

The lesson from Muong Tung shows that, in the fight against poverty, besides material resources, investing in "human resources" through communication is the most fundamental and sustainable approach.

Source: https://thoidai.com.vn/muong-tung-thay-doi-nhan-thuc-chia-khoa-giam-ngheo-ben-vung-218299.html