Lighting up the country roads

The electric lights from the "Lighting Up Rural Roads" programs not only contribute to changing the face of rural areas and beautifying village roads and alleys, but also help promote trade, ensure security and order, and improve traffic safety in local areas.

Youth union members, young people, and local residents installed solar-powered streetlights in Dong Coc village, Xuan Thai commune.

At the end of February 2026, residents of Van Thien village, Nong Cong commune, were delighted when their local road, after completion, was illuminated by green energy streetlights – solar-powered lights – mobilized by the Provincial Youth Union from social contributions. The lighting project spans 1km, with approximately 14 solar-powered streetlights, at a total cost of 100 million VND.

In Dong Coc village, Xuan Thai commune, since young people installed a lighting system along a more than 1km stretch of road, costing a total of 110 million VND, the lives of the villagers have become more vibrant. Previously, due to the lack of electricity at night, this section of road was very deserted and rarely used. Since being illuminated, the road has become a place for cultural activities and recreation for children and residents of the village.

Many residents told us that thanks to the street lighting projects, their lives have changed. The lights not only dispel darkness and social ills, ensuring traffic safety, but also contribute to improving people's lives and boosting production and trade. Many people now walk around in the evenings, and children can play more safely.

The "Lighting Up Rural Roads" program is one of the projects and initiatives chosen by the youth of Thanh Hoa province to implement annually, contributing to the efforts of the Party committees, government, and people in building new rural areas. At the same time, it aims to promote the energy of youth and awaken a sense of responsibility for community life among union members and young people. Responding to the "Lighting Up Rural Roads" program, for about 10 years, the Provincial Youth Union has successfully coordinated with relevant agencies and youth union branches at all levels to implement the model in many localities, illuminating hundreds of rural roads with electric lights. The program has also received widespread support and participation from union members, young people, and the general public.

Between 2022 and 2025 alone, youth union branches at all levels implemented 218 youth projects under the "Lighting Up the Countryside" program. Each project spanned 1-5km, ensuring aesthetic appeal, safety, and quality. To maximize the program's effectiveness, youth union branches surveyed and identified villages and residential areas facing difficulties in constructing and installing streetlights. They then mobilized youth union members, young people, and various organizations, businesses, and philanthropists to contribute financially to the construction and installation. Upon completion, the projects not only ensured safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness but also achieved high quality and aesthetic standards. Local authorities manage and carry out regular maintenance and repairs. In addition, commune-level youth unions also participated in maintaining cleanliness and traffic safety along the roads, adhering to the criteria of being bright, green, clean, beautiful, and safe.

The Vice Chairman of the Provincial Fatherland Front Committee and Secretary of the Provincial Youth Union, Le Ngoc Anh, emphasized: “Thanks to decisive leadership and implementation, the Youth Union at all levels has flexibly and proactively implemented the model with many creative approaches. The program has created positive changes in the awareness and actions of the people, contributing to the successful implementation of political tasks and socio-economic development in each locality, fulfilling the criteria for building new rural areas, and creating livable urban and rural areas.”

To ensure the program continues to be effective and have a widespread impact, the Provincial Youth Union will continue to mobilize more resources from its members and young people; and encourage organizations and philanthropists to build more meaningful "Lighting Up Rural Roads" projects, especially in mountainous communes. This is also a practical activity to promote the pioneering spirit and responsibility for the community and social welfare of youth union members and young people.

Text and photos: Le Phuong

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/thap-sang-duong-que-282077.htm