From the heart of a soldier – technology comes to the people in the border areas

Lai Chau has 265.165km of border with Yunnan province (China), has 11 border communes with 20 ethnic groups, including ethnic minorities such as Ha Nhi, Mong, Dao, La Hu... people's lives are still difficult, access to information technology and the internet is limited.

Lieutenant Colonel Truong Minh Duc - Commander of the Provincial Border Guard Command presented phones to people in Thu Lum commune.

In order to popularize basic knowledge of digital transformation (DTS) and digital skills for people in border areas (KVBG) with the spirit of revolution, the whole people, comprehensive, no one is left behind in the DTS process, from June 2025 - the time of launching the implementation plan of the "Digital Education for All" movement, up to now, border guards have deployed the "Digital Education for All" movement associated with the model "Green-uniformed teachers - Accelerating digital transformation". Each border guard officer and soldier has become a "teacher", "digital soldier" whether day or night, sunny or rainy, still "go to every alley, knock on every door" to enthusiastically guide people on how to use smartphones, install technology applications and register for electronic identification accounts, and access online public services.

Up to now, 100% of border posts under the Provincial Border Guard Command have established and effectively maintained the "Green-uniformed teachers - Accelerating digital transformation" team with at least 4 young, dynamic, knowledgeable and proficient cadres in digital technology . Thereby, helping tens of thousands of people in remote border areas access information technology, contributing to "eliminating digital illiteracy".

Colonel Lo Van Quy - Deputy Commander of the Provincial Border Guard Command presented phones to people in La U Co village (Thu Lum commune).

Identifying the biggest barrier in the journey to promote digital transformation in the border areas - where there are many difficulties, shortages, and a high rate of poor households - is digital devices and digital transformation support tools. Colonel Lo Van Quy - Deputy Commander of the Provincial Border Guard Command said: In the context of our country promoting comprehensive digital transformation, supporting people in border areas to access technology is both an urgent task and has a profound humanitarian meaning. Through research and practical work trips in the border areas, I see that if we only promote the role of "teachers" and "digital soldiers" in propaganda and guidance on digital transformation, it is not enough. Therefore, the Provincial Border Guard Command held a meeting and agreed to promote socialization to give Smartphones to people in border areas. In mid-November, I had a working trip, combined with giving phones to people in 2 communes: Mu Ca and Thu Lum. Being able to directly hand over the phones is the sentiment of the benefactors and the Border Guard, and witnessing the joy and gratitude of the people when receiving the phones is the motivation for us to continue calling for and supporting the people - the "living milestones" who are joining hands and hearts with the Border Guard every day to protect the Fatherland's borders.

Not only giving away phones, the Provincial Border Guard also coordinated with Viettel Lai Chau to give away free 4G SIM cards and guide people on how to use online public services on their phones.

After nearly 5 months of launching the "Digital Education for All" movement, the Provincial Border Guard Command has coordinated with Viettel Lai Chau and Vietin Bank Lai Chau to donate 200 smartphones to 200 households in the border area of the province with a value of 500 million VND. Accompanying the Provincial Border Guard, Viettel Lai Chau committed to giving away sim cards and free 4G packages for 3 years...

Joy shone in the eyes of the people when holding the new phone in their hands. For them, it is not only a communication tool but also a door opening to a new world of knowledge. Sharing that joy with us, Mr. Vang Hu To in La U Co village (Thu Lum commune) smiled and said: “Before, wanting to talk and see my children when they were working far away; wanting to see what trees and animals people were growing in the lowlands to develop the economy or simply wanting to listen to traditional songs was difficult because my phone could only make calls but could not connect to the internet. Since the Border Guard gave me a phone with internet connection, I can make video calls to my children who are working far away, watch the news, learn how to grow crops and raise livestock online. The soldiers also showed me how to do paperwork online so I don't have to go far anymore. I thank the Border Guard for their affection for us, the people in the border area.”

Pa Tan Border Guard Station officers instruct people to use their phones to scan the code for the "Anonymous email box to report crimes and illegal immigration".

The phones that people in border areas receive are not only material gifts but also have great significance in helping them access information, online public services, improve their knowledge and connect with the outside world. Especially through the phone, it will help people report crimes through the model of "Anonymous email box for reporting crimes and illegal immigration" through scanning QR codes. Thereby, people will easily provide information, report on the security and order situation in the area, contributing to ensuring security and order in the border area.

Each phone, though small, contains the great affection of the Border Guard officers and soldiers for the people of the border area. In the coming time, the Provincial Border Guard Command will continue to coordinate with agencies and businesses to expand the "Digital Education for the People" model to all border communes, helping people raise their awareness and digital skills and gradually build a safe and strong digital border. In particular, the focus is to promote connections, call for support from organizations, individuals and philanthropists to give more smartphones to people in border areas. Thereby, contributing to narrowing the digital gap, supporting people to overcome difficulties, participate in the national digital transformation process and improve their lives.

Source: https://baolaichau.vn/xa-hoi/tu-trai-tim-nguoi-linh-cong-nghe-den-voi-dong-bao-vung-bien-828610