The road leading to the village still winds along the mountain slopes, meandering through the vast, verdant forest, but the feeling is very different from before. No longer a slippery red dirt path during the rainy season, the main road into the village, leading to each household, has now been paved with asphalt, smooth and clean, extending hope amidst the Truong Son mountain range.

Along both sides of the road, the green of the ancient forest blends with the vibrant red of the national flag and the Party flag, neatly displayed in front of the stilt houses. The flags flutter gently in the mountain breeze, creating an atmosphere that is both solemn and warm, brimming with the festive spirit of Tet. The once remote and isolated village has now donned a new look – bright, sturdy, and full of life.

Border guards stationed in the village and the Chứt ethnic minority people hang the national flag and the Party flag in preparation for Tet (Lunar New Year).

Welcoming and leading us into the village, Major Doan Van Tiep, head of the Border Guard task force stationed in Rao Tre village, pointed towards the slopes of Ca Day mountain and slowly shared: “At the foot of the Giang Man mountain range lies Rao Tre village, currently home to 46 households with 159 people of the Chut ethnic minority. With limited arable land and previously low awareness among the villagers, their lives depended primarily on the forest, so poverty persisted. At one point, Rao Tre was almost completely isolated from the outside world .”

But today, as the Lunar New Year of the Horse 2026 is fast approaching, the Rào Tre village has truly undergone a transformation. This change is not only evident in the new roads and sturdy houses, but also deeply ingrained in the economic , cultural, and spiritual lives of each and every resident here.

Right at the entrance to the village is the spacious stilt house of Mrs. Ho Thi Nam, former village head and now an exemplary Party member. The house is neatly cleaned and carefully decorated with branches of wildflowers, a tray of five kinds of fruit, and plenty of sweets and candies. The Tet atmosphere is clearly present in every corner. Mrs. Nam said emotionally, “Having lived in this village almost my whole life, I have never seen Rao Tre so joyful and prosperous as it is now. Before, when Tet came, we only hoped to have enough rice to eat and warm clothes. But now, the villagers know how to work hard, know how to take care of their children, and Tet has sticky rice cakes, meat, and new clothes.”

The atmosphere of Tet (Lunar New Year) celebrations among the Chut people this year is truly vibrant. Inside the stilt houses, laughter and chatter fill the air all day long. Some are cleaning their houses, others are preparing pigs and chickens, and still others are busy wrapping traditional cakes. Children happily run along the newly paved road, holding cakes and candies given as gifts by visiting delegations. The whole village seems to burst with new life, warmth, peace, and hope.

Interspersed among the traditional stilt houses with red tiled roofs, seven new houses are currently under construction and nearing completion. According to Major Doan Van Tiep, these are sturdy stilt houses built with a total budget of 2.4 billion VND from the central and provincial budgets, under the National Target Program for socio-economic development in ethnic minority and mountainous areas in 2025. These houses are not only shelters from the rain and sun, but also vivid evidence of the Party and State's concern for the people in remote areas.

The changes in Rao Tre did not happen overnight. It was the result of a long and persistent process, with the coordinated efforts of the local Party committee, government, and especially the Border Guard forces. These soldiers, in their green uniforms, lived and worked alongside the local people for many years. From providing hands-on guidance on farming and livestock raising to patiently changing their mindset and practices, the soldiers gradually helped the Chut people learn to take care of their lives and develop their economy in a sustainable way.

Major Doan Van Tiep shared: “The most difficult thing is not the lack of capital or land, but the change in mindset. The soldiers have to work together, live together, and talk together so that the people understand that to escape poverty, they must produce and know how to save. Now, seeing the villages changing day by day, we are very happy and proud.”

The year 2025 marks a significant turning point in the village's economic development. Under the guidance of the Border Guard, many abandoned land areas have been reclaimed for production. Inefficient crops are gradually being replaced with agarwood trees, a high-value economic crop suitable for the local soil. To date, 20 households have planted approximately 10,000 agarwood trees, opening up a new direction for long-term livelihoods.

Locals and border guards work together to tend to their vegetable gardens in preparation for Tet (Lunar New Year).

Alongside crop cultivation, many households have boldly developed pig, chicken, and cattle farming in a stable manner. Many families have accumulated wealth, acquiring televisions, motorbikes, and essential household items—things they never dared to dream of before. Notably, Chứt families who married Kinh people have shown significant progress: their economies are more stable, and their children are healthier and more active.

Village head Ho Thi Kien frankly shared: "Now, in the village, there are no more cases of relatives marrying each other. The villagers understand that consanguineous marriage brings suffering to their children and grandchildren. Thanks to the soldiers and commune officials' persistent explanations, the villagers have listened and followed suit."

Outdated customs are gradually being eliminated, replaced by a civilized and progressive way of life. Healthcare has also seen many positive changes. When people fall ill, they no longer have to fend for themselves or leave their fate to the mountains and forests. Doctors in military uniforms are always present to examine patients, provide medicine, guide disease prevention, and raise awareness of hygiene and community health care.

Education in Rao Tre has also made significant progress. A new, spacious kindergarten has been built right in the village. The teachers stationed there not only teach literacy but also care for the children's meals and sleep. Currently, four students in the village have been adopted by the Border Guard Post, receiving support for their studies and daily lives. Notably, two students from Rao Tre have passed university entrance exams. Ho Thi Suong has graduated from the University of Early Childhood Education; Ho Van Duc is studying Law at Ha Tinh University. Both received sponsorship and financial support from the Ha Tinh Provincial Border Guard throughout their studies. Ho Thi Suong emotionally said: "If it weren't for the soldiers' help, I would have dropped out of school long ago. I hope to return to the village someday and become a teacher to teach the children."

Along with economic and social development, Party building work in Rao Tre has also achieved many positive results. Currently, there are 10 Party members from the Chut ethnic minority in the village; in 2025, two more outstanding individuals will be trained to participate in the Party membership orientation class. Ms. Ho Thi Nam confided: "Being a Party member in the village is both an honor and a responsibility. We must be exemplary so that the people will trust and follow us."

During the Lunar New Year of 2026 (Year of the Horse), the people of Rao Tre continued to receive attention and support from many levels and sectors. Meaningful gifts from the "Spring Border Guard Program: Warming the Hearts of the People" were delivered directly to each household. While the material value may not be great, it represents deep affection and a strong bond between the soldiers and the people in this border region.

As evening falls over the Rào Tre village, the hazy smoke from the cooking fires mingles with the lively sounds of laughter and conversation. Spring has truly arrived on the slopes of Cà Đay mountain – a spring of faith, hope, and lasting change, clearly evident in every home, every glance, and every smile of the Chứt ethnic people here.

    Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/phong-su-dieu-tra/phong-su/xuan-binh-ngo-2026-niem-tin-va-doi-thay-o-ban-rao-tre-1026313