These elderly farmers, who eat at home, repair country roads.

Under the scorching midday sun, the concrete road along Vinh Trinh hamlet radiated intense heat, making many hesitant to leave their homes. Yet, in this rural corner, the sounds of concrete mixing, road digging, and cement application still resonated as elderly farmers patched potholes, smoothing the country road.

Elderly farmers repair minor road damage in Vinh Trinh hamlet, Vinh Thuan commune. Photo: PHAM HIEU

Mr. Tran Van Dau, residing in Vinh Trinh hamlet, voluntarily participated in patching potholes with the hope of making the road better, easier for people to travel, especially ensuring the safety of students going to school during the rainy season. "I'm a farmer, these jobs are quite light and don't take much time, so it's also an opportunity for me to exercise," Mr. Dau said with a smile.

Mr. Dau joined the team from its early days. To this day, he still regularly participates whenever the team leader announces repairs to minor damaged bridges and roads. "My family supports my work. Moreover, through this work, I am happy to see that I am making a small but practical contribution to the land where I was born and raised," Mr. Dau said.

According to Mr. Le Van Bul, team leader of the team repairing lightly damaged bridges and roads in Vinh Trinh hamlet, the team was established by Vinh Thuan commune in 2023, but has been operating since 2020. The team has 25 members, the oldest being 62 years old, and operates on a voluntary basis. “Every day, while on their way to visit their fields or do other work, team members or local residents report any sections of rural roads or bridges that are slightly damaged or in disrepair. We survey the situation, then report to the local authorities and proceed with repairs,” Mr. Bul said.

Each year, the team carries out repairs 3-4 times, the duration depending on the extent of damage or the need for patching. Repair costs are covered by contributions from team members and donations from family, acquaintances, and local residents. “Local shops, temples, and other businesses are always willing to provide materials. Wherever the team works, the surrounding residents always pitch in, contributing their labor, so the work is always completed ahead of schedule. Some households even cook meals for the team, which is very heartwarming,” Mr. Bul shared.

Besides elderly farmers, the Vinh Trinh hamlet's team for repairing lightly damaged bridges and roads also includes many young people. Phan Thanh He, a team member, said: “Seeing the meaningful work of the older farmers, I wanted to contribute my efforts. Furthermore, by joining the team, I've learned from them a sense of responsibility towards the community and my homeland, as well as life experience and knowledge about rice farming and crop cultivation during breaks. I've learned a lot and become more mature by participating in the team.”

Ms. Le Kieu Hanh, a resident of Vinh Thuan commune, commented: "The work of the men in the Vinh Trinh hamlet's bridge and road repair team is meaningful. They work not for salary or fame, but out of camaraderie. Thanks to them, rural roads and bridges are safer."

According to Phan Van Nhan, head of Vinh Trinh hamlet, the team serves as a bridge connecting the community. Many people find the team's work meaningful and volunteer to participate. Even on rainy days when the roads are flooded, the members persevere, working until late at night. "The work of these elderly farmers is persistent and practical. Thanks to their hands, students can go to school more safely, the elderly can cross the bridge with more peace of mind, and agricultural products can be transported more easily. The rural roads in Vinh Trinh are not only repaired with concrete but also enriched by neighborly affection and a spirit of volunteerism for the community," Mr. Nhan said.

We said goodbye to the elderly farmers who had been working tirelessly for the community while the sun was still blazing. Many of them, though well over sixty, were still busy tending the dusty roads. Occasionally, curious children would stop to look at them, then fold their hands in gratitude, thanking the men for helping them get to school.

“The image of elderly farmers volunteering to repair roads and bridges has become a source of spiritual support for the community. It is a vivid testament to the qualities of good people and good deeds that blossom from a pure heart and a deep love for their homeland – an invaluable asset that needs to be cherished, spread, and preserved,” said Huynh Ngoc Nguyen, Chairman of the People's Committee of Vinh Thuan commune.

PHAM HIEU

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/nhung-lao-nong-an-com-nha-va-duong-que-a470393.html