Mường Tùng commune has more than 800 Youth Union members across 18 branches. The commune’s Youth Union has established 13 community digital technology teams, one in each of the commune’s 13 villages, with six members per team. These teams help residents use the VNeID digital identity application, access online public services and make use of digital tools suited to their everyday needs.

The Youth Union has also formed a volunteer team to provide support at the commune’s Public Administration Service Center. When residents come to handle administrative matters, volunteers guide them through online procedures and answer questions they may encounter along the way.

Although smartphones are increasingly common, not everyone knows how to make full use of their features and applications. Some people have VNeID accounts but have forgotten their passwords or do not know how to use the available functions. Older residents often find it difficult to learn new procedures and operate modern devices. Concerns about making mistakes, exposing personal information or falling victim to online scams also discourage some people from embracing technology.

In response, the community digital technology teams focus on practical tasks, including using VNeID, accessing online public services, looking up information, submitting feedback and petitions, paying electricity and water bills electronically, and using applications for everyday activities and communication.

Rather than performing tasks on residents’ behalf, the volunteers guide them through each step on their own devices. This hands-on approach helps people remember the procedures and use the services independently in the future.

Ly A Phùa, Secretary of the Mường Tùng commune Youth Union, said that since the beginning of the year, the union had organized more than 20 visits to villages to help residents learn how to use digital services directly on their smartphones. The 13 community digital technology teams continue to operate in their respective villages, providing timely assistance to those who are unfamiliar with digital applications or encounter difficulties using them.

“Our experience shows that when people receive guidance and practise directly on their own devices, they find the instructions easier to understand and follow,” he said.

Lò Văn Chân, a resident of Huổi Sấy village in Mường Tùng commune, said: “I used to not know how to pay my electricity and water bills by phone, so I usually had to go to a payment point or ask someone else for help. After young volunteers showed me how, I learned the steps and can now make the payments myself.”

Older residents often need more time to become familiar with technology. However, with direct guidance and opportunities to practise, many have gradually overcome their initial hesitation. Previously using their phones mainly to make and receive calls, some can now log in to VNeID, look up information and carry out online transactions.

Khoàng Văn Xuân, a resident of Mường Tùng village in Mường Tùng commune, shared: “I used to use my phone mainly for calls and did not know how to use the other applications. The young volunteers showed me how to use VNeID and some of the phone’s other features. At first, I was hesitant because I was afraid of making a mistake, but after receiving guidance and practising several times, I found it much easier.”

Alongside helping residents access online public services, Youth Union members are raising awareness of online scams and encouraging people to stay vigilant. Residents are shown how to protect their personal information, passwords and authentication codes, exercise caution with unfamiliar links, calls and messages, and promptly notify the relevant authorities if they notice anything suspicious.

Thanks to the dedicated guidance of young volunteers, more residents in Mường Tùng commune are becoming confident in using technology and gradually mastering the features available on their smartphones. The “Digital literacy for all” campaign is gaining wider reach, helping bring digital transformation closer to local communities.