Bringing new ideas to villages

Just a few years ago, few in Điện Biên had heard of the Sán Chay ethnic group in Huổi Thanh 1 village, Nậm Kè commune. Tucked away in a small settlement deep in the forest, once known as a place of “sacred woods and toxic waters”, the community lived in near isolation.

According to village elder and community representative Đặng Văn Sén, life there was peaceful but marked by hardship and poverty. The village, perched high in the mountains, lacked access to roads, electricity, and even mobile signal coverage.

As a trusted figure among his people, Mr. Sén worked closely with commune and village authorities, as well as local Party members, to find every possible way to attract resources for economic development and better living conditions. Together, they visited each household, spreading awareness about Party and State policies, encouraging parents to send their children to school, and guiding families to switch crops and livestock to improve their income. In particular, the expansion of wet-rice farming marked a major turning point, fundamentally changing both the livelihood and the landscape of the village.

Thanks to years of persistence, Huổi Thanh 1 now wears a new face. The days of hardship have gradually faded, replaced by visible joy and confidence. Villagers now trust the government, follow national policies, and work to build stable, better lives. Recognizing the village’s natural beauty and favorable climate, Mr. Sén has recently been mobilizing residents to preserve their cultural identity and maintain the village’s landscape in order to develop community-based tourism.

In Nậm Sin village, Mường Nhé commune, another respected figure, Mr. Hù Chà Thái, has long been a pillar of strength for the Si La people. In the past, the Si La community lived in isolation, relying heavily on outdated farming practices and nature’s generosity, surviving between two uncertain seasons, hunger and harvest. Poverty was compounded by drug addiction and related social problems.

The situation began to change after the implementation of the Socio-Economic Development Project for the Si La Ethnic Minority, carried out by the provincial Department of Ethnic Affairs (now the Department of Ethnic and Religious Affairs) under the Prime Minister’s Decision No. 2086/QĐ-TTg. This national program, aimed at supporting very small ethnic minority groups during 2016-2025, provided the foundation for the Si La people to rise out of poverty.

Determined to transform his village, Mr. Thái pondered for a long time over how to bring real change. In 2017, after a learning trip to other localities in the province, he boldly borrowed money from the bank to start livestock farming, vowing to lead by example. To secure food for his family, he and his wife worked tirelessly to reclaim and terrace the land along the stream for wet-rice cultivation.

Each year, his persistence paid off. His family gradually expanded production, earning more than VND 150 million annually from farming and livestock. “It may not be much compared to farmers elsewhere,” he said proudly, “but here, it’s something people respect.”

Beyond setting an example, Mr. Thái has devoted himself to sharing his experience, teaching and supporting other villagers to follow. Many families have since escaped poverty through similar efforts, and the village youth now look up to him, focusing their energy on productive work. Although 39 out of 60 households remain poor, all have registered plans to switch crops, borrow capital, and develop sustainable livelihoods.

Spreading trust and influence

For ethnic minority communities, village elders, heads, and respected persons play an essential role. They understand local customs, speak the native languages, and help convey Party guidelines and State policies in a way that resonates with the people. They are seen as the “pillars of the village,” a vital link between authorities and the people, ensuring that official messages reach deep into each community.

In reality, their role extends far beyond setting an example. They are the connectors that foster consensus, strengthen unity, and reinforce public trust in the Party, the State, and local authorities. Recognizing this, Điện Biên’s Party committees, government agencies, and mass organizations have long worked to both support and empower these community figures.

In August, the provincial Department of Ethnic and Religious Affairs, in coordination with local governments, organized a series of training and knowledge-sharing sessions for respected persons from ethnic minority communities in Mường Nhé, Na Sang, Tủa Chùa, Tuần Giáo, Mường Ảng, and Na Son. This initiative is part of the National Target Program for Socio-Economic Development in Ethnic Minority and Mountainous Areas for 2021-2025.

Over 800 participants attended, engaging in discussions on topics such as local socio-economic development, ethnic and religious policies, solutions to prevent early marriage and inbreeding, and key laws related to everyday life, including the Law on Grassroots Mediation, Road Traffic Law, and Cybersecurity Law.

Under Plan No. 676/KH-SDTTG, the department will also organize three study tours for about 60 respected individuals to learn from successful models in other provinces. These trips will allow participants to observe, exchange experiences, and gain new insights to apply in their own communities. They also serve to strengthen connections and enhance communication and advocacy skills, enabling these local leaders to continue their vital role in uniting and guiding their people in the new era.