The Quiet Pioneers Leading the Way
From boosting production and incomes to promoting civilized lifestyles, respected figures in ethnic minority communities are earning people’s trust through concrete actions and helping rally local communities to build better hometowns.
Leading the Way in Economic Development
For over 20 years, Kra Jan Ha BLak, a village head and respected figure in the community of Dam Rong 2, has observed numerous transformations in the lives of ethnic minority groups. He believes that in order to inspire changes in people's mindsets and practices, he must lead by example.
In 1997, he was one of the first locals to adopt wet-rice farming. As coffee emerged as a more viable development option, he transitioned to coffee cultivation. Currently, his family practices intercropping, combining coffee with durian, which has gradually enhanced the productivity and value of their land. The family now manages 5 hectares of coffee along with 300 durian trees, almost 200 of which are already producing fruit.
His concerns extend beyond the financial stability of his family. When a farming method proves successful, he shares his insights and offers guidance to fellow residents.
For households that are reluctant to adopt new crops, he engages in discussions with them to explore their options and assists them in calculating and selecting the most appropriate strategy.
This approach has helped him gain the trust of the local community as a village leader. People observe his fields, harvests, and production outcomes, reinforcing their belief in his recommendations.
What started as one household's experience has been communicated to others, inspiring more families to confidently transition to different crops and look for opportunities to boost their incomes.
“In ethnic minority communities, mobilizing people starts with being close to them and understanding them. A respected community figure must understand their concerns, customs, traditions and difficulties in daily life. When policies and guidelines are translated into practical and appropriate actions, people can understand them more easily, put them into practice and participate together,” he said.
Contributing to the Development of the Community
In Hamlet 3 (Cat Tien 2 Commune), Dieu K Dot, the Secretary of the Party Cell and Head of the Hamlet, has gained the trust of the people through his approach.
Early in his public service career, he motivated young people to renovate village roads and alleys and assisted residents in constructing their homes. He also founded various groups focused on cultural activities, gong performances, and fitness and sports.
With over 90% of the hamlet's population belonging to ethnic minorities, Dot recognized that agriculture was a key strength. In collaboration with the Party Cell and local organizations, he urged residents to diversify their crops and livestock, substituting low-yield varieties with durian, coffee, and cocoa. As a result, the hamlet now has no poor households, and the average annual income has reached VND 65 million per person.
In his efforts to enhance local infrastructure, Dot began with his own family. When the community initiated a clean water supply project, his family willingly donated 252 square meters of land and urged other officials and Party members to contribute so that the project could quickly benefit local residents.
In addition to promoting economic growth, he and the Party Cell have motivated residents to create “Flag-decorated Roads,” “Bright - Green - Clean - Beautiful Village Roads,” and “Zero-Waste Roads,” while also advocating for civilized lifestyles and the elimination of outdated customs.
Currently, the hamlet has no instances of child marriage, consanguineous marriage, or harmful traditional practices, and over 96% of households have been acknowledged as “Cultural Families.” In 2024, Hamlet 3 was honored as a Model Residential Community.
Encouraging the involvement of trusted local figures offers a crucial basis for grassroots mobilization and the development of the community's political framework. When officials, Party members, and esteemed individuals align their actions with their statements, it enhances the community's trust. This subsequently fosters better conditions for the Party's principles and the State's regulations and laws to be put into practice in daily life.
Cil Bri, the Deputy Director of the Department of Ethnic Affairs and Religion, remarked that despite the ongoing transformations in local communities, these "quiet pioneers" persist in their efforts without seeking recognition. Whether it’s those innovating new methods in agricultural practices or individuals aiding in the construction of roads, clean water systems, and enhancing cultural life, their seemingly modest actions empower local communities and promote unity, playing a vital role in the development of increasingly prosperous and civilized societies.