Border guards stationed at the Ia Mơ Border Post in Gia Lai province are bringing hope and practical support to struggling families through the “Each week helping a poor household” program, an initiative aimed at strengthening national unity and building a robust people-centered border defense.
Every week, seven to eight officers and soldiers, working alongside local militia, assist a poor household with specific tasks such as house cleaning, crop harvesting, fence construction, garden improvement, and delivering essential goods worth around 500,000–1,000,000 VND (approximately USD 20–40). Families selected for support include those who are poor, near-poor, elderly, disabled, or otherwise in hardship.
On October 18, border guards and local militia members visited the home of Mrs. Rơ Lan Blê, 59, in Hnap village. Paralyzed after a stroke and living with her frail 85-year-old husband, she relies on her 13-year-old daughter, who herds cattle for income. Soldiers cleaned her home, repaired wiring, replaced light bulbs, dug a garbage pit, renewed her ID card, and guided her through paperwork for elderly benefits. They also presented her with rice, milk, detergent, and other daily necessities.
“We are poor, old, and weak. Having the border guards come and help us makes me so happy,” Mrs. Blê said, holding her gift bag with tears of gratitude.
A week later, on October 25, the unit extended help to brothers Siu Đươm, 19, and Siu Nhăm, 16, orphans caring for their young niece Siu Thoáng, 7, in Klăh village. Their only assets are a small rice field and cashew plots. Captain Trần Văn Khen, Head of the Mass Mobilization Team, said the unit plans to dig an irrigation canal so they can plant two rice crops a year. Coordination with local households is ongoing to finalize the plan.
Meanwhile, another household, Mr. Rơ Mah Phí, 83, and his blind wife in Khôi village, also received assistance. Border guards cleaned their house, replaced a broken door, renewed their personal documents, and helped them register for social benefits.
Captain Khen noted that mismatched personal papers, such as household registration and ID cards, remain a major obstacle preventing locals from accessing welfare programs.
Lieutenant Colonel Lê Đình Sự, Deputy Political Commissar of Ia Mơ Border Post, said the model follows the Gia Lai Border Guard Command’s mass mobilization plan. Each operation is closely coordinated with local authorities to ensure targeted, practical results. On average, each family receives 10 to 20 days of labor support, along with guidance in farming, livestock raising, and children’s education.
Beyond this weekly model, Ia Mơ Border Post also carries out other long-term initiatives, including “Border Guard Party Member in charge of a household,” “Border post foster child,” “Supporting children to school,” and “Red address.” Together, these efforts have deepened the bond between soldiers and civilians, contributing to social stability and national defense along the Vietnamese frontier.