The “fire starters” of youths

Among hundreds of outstanding figures from all over the country at the National Congress of Youths Following President Hồ Chí Minh’s teachings, the image of a simple, calm yet resilient female leader from the highlands left a deep impression - that’s Nguyễn Thị Ngọc, Secretary of the Mường Ảng district’s Youth Union.

Sharing about the honor of being recognized, Ngọc was moved: “I don’t focus on being rewarded, but I hope that what I do can truly bring practical benefits to the youth in the highlands. To be among the outstanding youth of the country, on the very day of President Hồ Chí Minh’s birthday, is an unforgettable memory that I will cherish.”

Having been involved in the Youth Union work since 2020, Ngọc not only organizes movements but also serves as an inspiration for thousands of young members in the district. As the Secretary of the Mường Ảng district’s Youth Union and President of the Vietnam Youth Union in the district, Ngọc has spread numerous practical models. From 52 savings and loan groups with a total loan balance of over VND 109 billion, supporting more than 2,000 youth households, to volunteer teams warming the highland villages. She has also organized warm Mid-Autumn nights for nearly 2,000 children, New Year’s Eve meals for 115 poor children, and distributed 90 meaningful gifts. At the same time, she actively cooperates in campaigns against child marriage, domestic violence, drugs, and HIV/AIDS, contributing to building a strong community.

“I was born and raised in the highlands, where people’s lives are still tough. Therefore, I understand that what young people here need most is the opportunity to study, to build their careers, to change their lives. I chose to work in the Youth Union as a way to place my trust and accompany the youth on their journey to fulfill their dreams,” said Ngọc.

Few people know that behind the calm, strong image of the Youth Union leader is a woman who silently shoulders two roles - a dedicated Youth Union officer and the wife and mother of a border guard officer who works over 200 km away from home.

“My husband is stationed in Na Cô Sa commune, Nậm Pồ district, more than 200km from home. There was a time I gave birth, and he couldn’t come back because of his duties. Many people ask if I feel deprived. I think when both of us choose a life of service, sometimes the distance is part of happiness,” said Ngọc, her eyes filled with pride.

For Ngọc, learning and following President Hồ Chí Minh’s teachings is not something grand, but it begins with trying to fulfill each role - as a daughter of the homeland, a Youth Union officer, and a wife and mother in a small family. Therefore, today in Mường Ảng, she is not only the “fire starter” for the youth movement but also the silent flame that spreads warmth, trust, and aspirations for the young generation in the highlands.

Planting “green seeds” on ancient tea hills

If Mường Ảng has Youth Union leader Nguyễn Thị Ngọc, Tủa Chùa district has Nguyễn Mỹ Linh - a young female entrepreneur who chose to start a business with products made from Shan Tuyết ancient tea trees.

Graduating from Vietnam Academy of Agriculture with an excellent degree, Linh had many opportunities to work in Hanoi. However, this young girl decided to return to her hometown and establish Hương Linh Company, specializing in producing and processing specialty tea from Tủa Chùa. From a little-known raw material area, thanks to a methodical, creative approach and respect for local values, the products from Hương Linh tea brand have gradually made a name in the market.

Currently, the three main products of the company have achieved OCOP certification, including: Diệp Thanh Trà - Shan Tuyết Sính Phình Green Tea; Diệp Thanh Trà - Tủa Chùa Shan Tuyết Ancient Tea; Diệp Thanh Trà - White Mao Tea. These products not only sell well domestically but are also exported to China and are expanding into potential markets like the U.S. and Australia. In addition, two other products, Shan Tuyết Black Tea and Puer Tea, are being finalized for OCOP registration, promising further expansion for the ancient tea products from her hometown.

Not only a successful young entrepreneur, Linh also places great importance on preserving and promoting the cultural identity of the highlands through each Shan Tuyết tea product. She shared: “I want the tea buds from my homeland to not only have economic value but also be a cultural pride. When we respect the local roots, the product naturally has its own value.”

With her persistent efforts and contributions to the local economic and social development, Linh was recently honored at the 8th National Congress of Outstanding Youths Following President Hồ Chí Minh’s teachings. She is the only representative from Điện Biên and one of 32 exemplary figures nationwide who represent millions of youth with a creative spirit, striving to enrich themselves and their families. She was awarded the Lương Định Của Awards at the 19th edition in 2024 by the Hồ Chí Minh Communist Youth Union Central Committee.

Shining quietly

Unlike the lively youth work or the figures in business, Lê Thị Tố Quyên’s journey is as simple as her job - a business operations staff at the Điện Biên Petroleum Company.

As a young party member and a passionate Youth Union member, Quyên has always been concerned with improving processes and enhancing efficiency in each operational step. From flexible solutions in coordinating goods between warehouses during scarcity to proposing balanced inventory solutions, all of these stem from her meticulous observation and thoughtful thinking.

“I believe that doing the small things well is how I follow President Hồ Chí Minh’s teachings every day,” said Quyên. For her, learning and following Hồ Chí Minh’s thoughts, ethics, and style is not something distant but is expressed through each sincere action in everyday life.

Outstanding in her professional duties, Quyên is also an active force in many Youth Union activities. She is always ready to participate and organize meaningful programs like blood donation, environmental sanitation at historical sites, or community initiatives like “Steps for the Community” and “Youths paying tribute.” Wherever help is needed, she quietly contributes, spreading the spirit of living beautifully and meaningfully within the collective.

Trusted by her colleagues and beloved by her youth members, Quyên humbly stated: “I don’t think I do anything grand. I just try to make a little effort each day, spreading goodness little by little. When we live decently and responsibly, the collective becomes stronger from within.”

Through small actions, Quyên has contributed not only to her unit but also to the image of a new-generation youth member: strong, responsible, and always striving for the community. For her, following President Hồ Chí Minh’s teachings means living responsibly, sharing, and fully dedicating oneself to the work they pursue.

“When I was selected to attend the 2025 National Congress of Outstanding Youths Following President Hồ Chí Minh’s teachings, I was truly surprised. I never thought that the small things I do would be recognized like this. It’s both a proud moment and motivation for me to live better every day,” she shared happily.

Attending the 8th National Congress of Outstanding Youths Following President Hồ Chí Minh’s teachings, besides the three outstanding individuals mentioned, there is also teacher Lò Văn Cường, a teacher at the Tuần Giáo district Ethnic Minority Boarding High School, who has made many practical initiatives and solutions in his professional duties. As a teacher in the highlands, Cường, with his energetic and enthusiastic spirit as a model party member, always actively seeks creative ways to make knowledge more understandable and memorable for students.

Nguyễn Thị Ngọc, Nguyễn Mỹ Linh, Lê Thị Tố Quyên, Lò Văn Cường - four exemplary youth of Điện Biên, have been honored at the 8th National Congress of Outstanding Youths Following President Hồ Chí Minh’s Teachings. Each of them has their own story and journey, but they all contribute silently, humbly, with pride and the desire to live beautifully and meaningfully. These are the beautiful images that inspire today’s youths of Điện Biên province to follow, further enhancing the image of youth in the new era.