(VOVWORLD) - Village elder K’Brep of the K’Ho ethnic group in Bao Thuan commune, Lam Dong province, is not only a pioneer in agricultural production but also a talented artisan, devoted to the traditional craft of weaving. He is an active contributor to local rural development initiatives.
 Village elder K’Brep (L) (Photo: K’Brop/VOV correspondent in the Central Highlands) |
"I weave all kinds of items, from backpacks and trays to baskets, to earn extra income. To preserve our weaving tradition, the local community established a weaving association, which allows artisans to learn from each other and produce crafted items that meet market demand.”
At the age of 75, K’Brep is recognized as an outstanding artisan of the K’Ho’s weaving craft. Last year, his village organized a weaving course for K’Ho people, and K’Brep taught approximately 100 students. K’Brep was the first in the village to adopt innovative agricultural practices. His agricultural model, which includes several hectares of coffee, durian, avocado, and rice, has inspired many other families to follow suit.
"K’Brep is a leader in agricultural production. He was the first to apply modern techniques like fertilization, pest control, and irrigation to coffee cultivation. He is equally skilled in rice farming, which has made him a highly respected figure in our community, both for his lifestyle and for his economic success," said K’Brao from Kala Krot commune.
 Handicrafts made by village elder K’Brep (Photo: K’Brop/VOV correspondent in the Central Highlands) |
K’Brep was the first in his locality to donate land, totaling 1,300 square meters, for road construction. Following his lead, other villagers contributed land, labor, and materials to build paved roads and clean water facilities, transforming the village’s landscape.
"Previously, during the rainy season, local roads were muddy and difficult to navigate, and in the dry season, dust made travel hard. Now, with clean, paved roads, transporting farm produce is much easier," said villager named K’Breo.
K’Huu, a cadre in Bao Thuan commune, said, "K’Brep is a respected and influential person in the community. His leadership in promoting rural development, building roads, and providing clean water has helped transform the village into a cleaner, more organized place. As head of the Kala Parish Council, he is more influential among parishioners, making his communication of new rural development more effective."