Nguyen Van Hien (L) visits a blood cockle farming model in his hamlet. (Photo: VOV)

In 2024 Cai Moi hamlet has seen many remarkable changes. Paved roads traverse the area, flanked by flowers and lush greenery. Sturdy, modern houses have replaced older houses, waste is now collected and properly handled, and the villagers are actively engaged in profitable economic activities.

Cai Moi hamlet has 226 households, of which 40 are Khmer ethnic minority households. The hamlet now has only ten poor or near-poor households and expects to eradicate poverty entirely by the end of 2025.

This achievement is thanks to the efforts of local authorities, especially hamlet chief Nguyen Van Hien, who has been dedicated to helping people escape poverty and secure a stable income. Viewing poverty reduction as a critical and urgent mission, Hien has tirelessly engaged with the community to understand their aspirations and challenges. He believes that the key to change is "explaining to the people so they understand and earning their trust”.

“It’s important to maintain a close relationship with local people, which helps me better communicate policies and programs to them. I also listen to their aspirations and try to help them improve their lives," said Hien.

By understanding each household's specific situation, Hien and the local authorities have worked out effective support measures, such as working with the district's Social Policy Bank to provide preferential loans, calling on philanthropists’ support to build or repair homes, and purchasing health insurance and providing monthly  essential supplies for lonely elderly people.

Hien has worked with local authorities to organize classes on farming and animal husbandry techniques and vocational training for rural workers. Duong Van Bai, a Khmer ethnic resident of Cai Moi hamlet, escaped poverty thanks to support for developing a blood cockle farming model.

"In the past, my family was struggling economically, but the local authorities gave us 50 kilograms of cockle for breeding. Mr. Hien showed us how to improve our pond system for farming. Thanks to that, my family's situation has significantly improved,” said Bai.

Hien’s simple, quick methods for boosting household income are easy for others to follow. He also connects people with local authorities to arrange production loans.

"We’ve received strong support from the hamlet. I was helped with housing, vocational training, and capital to work toward a better life," Nguyen Thi Hong Ngoc, a resident of Cai Moi hamlet, said.

In addition to poverty reduction efforts, Hien is also active in the new rural development program. Starting from scratch, Cai Moi hamlet has now met almost all the criteria for that program. Thanks to Hien’s support, local people have participated in sustainable poverty reduction and rural development efforts.

"The hamlet now has adequate roads, schools, and medical stations. I’ll continue to advise the communal People's Committee on specific economic models and show people how to obtain production funds," said Hien. 

Hien’s contribution to local economic development and social work has been recognized by local authorities. Lam Quoc Trach, Vice Chairman of the Dat Mui commune People's Committee, said Hien has worked closely with local authorities and the hamlet’s Party Committee to help residents improve their economic situation.

“He has done well in the new rural development program, contributing to the socio-economic development of both the commune and Cai Moi hamlet," said Trach.

Nguyen Van Hien has won people’s trust and received many certificates of merit for his great contributions to disseminating the Party’s guidelines and policies and helping local people improve their lives.