Following Uncle Ho’s example through persistent action for the people

Nguyên is one of three exemplary individuals from Gia Lai Province honoured at the Exchange Program for Outstanding Role Models in Studying and Following Ho Chi Minh’s Thought, Morality, and Style in the Central and Central Highlands Regions 2025.

The event, themed “Resilience - The foundation of prosperity,” was jointly organised by the Central Propaganda and Mass Mobilisation Commission, the Nghe An Provincial Party Committee and Vietnam Television on December 14.

* Participating in the Exchange Program for Outstanding Role Models in Studying and Following Ho Chi Minh’s Thought, Morality, and Style in the Central and Central Highlands Regions 2025, how do you feel?

- For me, this is a tremendous honour and an opportunity for self-reflection. Standing among so many outstanding collectives and individuals from across the region, I felt even more deeply the spirit of tireless, quiet dedication shown by so many people.

Some are over 60 years old but still donate blood regularly, take part in charity work and travel directly to disaster-hit areas to support those in need. Their examples inspire me to strive harder and do better in the work I am pursuing.

* Looking back on your journey, what has motivated you to remain committed to charitable activities?

- Everything began very naturally, from simple and ordinary things. In 2018, while working at the former Ia Grai District Youth Union, I met many disadvantaged children, especially during the Mid-Autumn Festival and Lunar New Year.

I realised that sometimes a small gift or a simple playground can bring joy and create lasting childhood memories. At first, most activities relied on my own funds and support from family and friends. Gradually, more people joined, and the “Gia Lai Volunteer Together” group was formed.

The group initially focused on disadvantaged children, then expanded to cases involving serious illness, accidents and natural disasters. Although our scope has grown, vulnerable children have always remained our top priority.

* After more than seven years of mobilising social resources, what concrete results have you and your group achieved?

- We have helped build seven new houses and repair four others for poor households, with a total cost of 580 million VND (approximately USD 23,700). We also provided more than 10,000 seedlings of various types to help people establish long-term livelihoods.

In addition, the group directly mobilised support for 27 difficult cases, raising a total of 690 million VND (about USD 28,200). Through coordination with agencies and organisations, we secured a further 260 million VND (around USD 10,600) for housing construction and direct cash assistance.

Notably, during major natural disasters in 2022 and 2024, the group mobilised more than 170 million VND (nearly USD 6,900) and over eight tonnes of relief goods, providing timely support to people in Quang Tri and Yen Bai provinces (now Lao Cai province).

For us, these figures are not just achievements, but also a responsibility to use every community contribution effectively and transparently.

* During your efforts to mobilise support, is there a story that has left a particularly strong impression on you?

- What I remember most is a traffic accident in 2022 that claimed the lives of three people from the Mekong Delta. Although we did not know them, the community quickly came together to raise more than 100 million VND (around USD 4,100) to help return the victims to their hometowns.

That experience deepened my appreciation of the spirit of solidarity and compassion in our society. At the same time, it reminded us of the importance of verifying information carefully and coordinating closely with local authorities, so that support reaches the right people in the right circumstances. Only then can public trust be maintained and charitable efforts sustained.

* In your view, what role do grassroots officials play in connecting and mobilising social resources for the community?

- From years of experience, I believe the effectiveness of each campaign is not measured solely by the amount of money or goods raised, but by the “focal point” role of grassroots officials.

They are the critical link that ensures information flows smoothly and support reaches the right people in a timely and transparent manner.

When grassroots officials are truly responsible, close to the people and understand each household’s circumstances, charity work becomes genuinely meaningful. This is also the foundation for large-scale support efforts to be effective rather than superficial or fragmented.

* Beyond charity work, you are also involved in local agricultural development. As a member of the Board of Directors of the Ia Tô Agricultural Services Cooperative, what are your main priorities?

- Cooperatives and farmers’ organisations are essential pillars for people to feel secure in production. My focus is therefore on improving the effectiveness of the cooperative and the Fruit Tree Farmers’ Association in Hamlet 7.

Since 2024, through partnerships with relevant units, the cooperative has organised 18 training sessions on coffee, rambutan and durian cultivation techniques, attracting more than 850 farmers.

Alongside technical improvement, we emphasise brand building and product standardisation. We have developed a collective brand for Ia Grai rambutan, established a certified mother-tree orchard in Hamlet 6, promoted traceability for rambutan and durian, and guided rambutan production according to VietGAP standards in Hamlets 5, 6 and 7. As a result, product quality has improved, gradually building trust with traders inside and outside the province.

* From this experience, how do you see the path to sustainable agricultural development in your locality?

- It is a long-term process that cannot be rushed. Sustainability requires careful preparation, quality control, product standardisation and proper traceability, followed by gradual expansion of production areas.

At the same time, we must persistently develop products in line with standards such as OCOP, VietGAP and GlobalGAP for key crops like durian and rambutan, so they can integrate more deeply into the value chain.

The most important factor is gaining farmers’ consensus, helping them understand that although sustainable agriculture demands more effort, it delivers stable and long-term benefits.

* Looking back on your journey, what do you value most?

- What I value most is the trust and companionship of benefactors and like-minded people. That trust has motivated us to overcome difficulties and share promptly with those in vulnerable circumstances.

I believe that when people unite, listen to one another and strive to improve themselves every day, positive values will continue to spread throughout the community.

* Thank you for the conversation!