Those who "lead the way"

Exemplary and responsible in their work, the respected community leaders (NCUT) in Nhu Thanh commune are playing a bridging role, mobilizing the people to participate in emulation movements, actively engage in labor and production, eradicate hunger and reduce poverty, and contribute to socio-economic development and ensure national defense and security in the locality.

Mr. Luc Van Thanh (third from the left), NCUT in Vinh Loi village, mobilizes the people to build new rural areas and implement a civilized lifestyle.

The concrete road, surrounded by lush green gardens, led us into Kim Son village, Nhu Thanh commune. Few people know that previously, although the road into the village was paved with concrete, it was narrow and dilapidated. As the village head and a local community leader, Mr. Le Van Khoan, 60 years old, of Kinh ethnicity, along with the village's mobilization committee, met with households whose houses were located along the road to promote and encourage people to donate land for road widening. Thanks to his active efforts and those of other organizations, 15 households donated over 2,000 square meters of land, and 85 households demolished their fences to allow the village to expand the road.

Mr. Khoan shared: “Initially, about one-third of the households included in the road expansion project were hesitant and skeptical. I, along with other organizations, went to each household to listen to their thoughts and aspirations. Through persistent effort, people's awareness gradually improved, and many households voluntarily contributed money, labor, donated land, and dismantled structures to facilitate the construction of the project.”

Vinh Loi village currently has 178 households with approximately 600 inhabitants, of which 95% are ethnic Thai people, and the rest are Kinh, Muong, and Ede people. Previously, some outdated customs persisted, significantly impacting the lives of the people, such as child marriage and exorbitant dowry demands. Particularly, during funerals, many livestock were slaughtered, leaving families burdened with debt... Having been elected as a "Outstanding Villager" by the people since 2015, Mr. Luc Van Thanh (70 years old), a member of the Thai ethnic group, always considers this an honor and a great responsibility for the development of the locality.

Mr. Thanh determined that improving people's lives first required eliminating outdated customs and practices and building a civilized way of life. Together with the government and various organizations, he persistently propagated and mobilized support. As a result, child marriage in Vinh Loi has been eradicated; outdated customs in weddings and funerals are gradually disappearing. Furthermore, he is a role model in mobilizing the people to build new rural areas; and he is also a "keeper of the flame," leading the Luc clan to become a model clan in terms of security and order. In addition, he is always concerned with restoring and preserving the beautiful traditional cultural values ​​of the Thai people in the area.

Mr. Khoan and Mr. Thanh are two of the 34 outstanding community leaders in Nhu Thanh commune. In the context of the commune's post-merger population structure, the population is quite diverse, with 14.6% Muong people, 11.97% Thai people, 72.92% Kinh people, and the remainder being other ethnic groups. Therefore, the voices of these outstanding community leaders are not just limited to advice, but also carry the weight of trust and respect within the community. They are the ones who "eat at home but carry the burden of the whole community," silently contributing to strengthening national unity.

Deputy Chairman of Nhu Thanh Commune People's Committee, Dinh Xuan Thang, affirmed: "Not only do they mobilize, but the 'People's Union of the Commune' are also pioneers in many areas of life. These 'People's Union' members have made significant contributions to building socio -economic development programs and plans in the locality; actively mobilizing the people to effectively implement grassroots democracy regulations; building and implementing village regulations and customs; building cultural villages and families; and preserving and promoting national cultural identity. As a result, by the end of 2025, the commune's poverty rate will decrease by 0.9%, exceeding the set plan. People's lives will improve, with average per capita income reaching 68.8 million VND/year."

To further enhance the role of the Elderly People's Association, the commune will advise the province to continue paying attention to and effectively implementing policies and regulations for the Elderly People's Association among ethnic minorities, ensuring full, timely, and proper support. The content and methods of training courses and workshops will be reformed to raise awareness among the Elderly People's Association, and to effectively manage, guide, inspect, evaluate, and implement policies for the Elderly People's Association in ethnic minority areas. Simultaneously, conditions will be created for the Elderly People's Association to participate more deeply in national target programs, patriotic emulation movements, sustainable poverty reduction, rural development, and the preservation and promotion of traditional cultural values ​​of ethnic groups. The work of rewarding and honoring them will also continue to be emphasized to create motivation and encourage the Elderly People's Association to promote their role and spread positive influence in the community.

Text and photos: Anh Tuan

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/nhung-nguoi-di-truoc-lam-truoc-284278.htm