Lieutenant Colonel Xong Ba Mua, Political Chief of Nam Can Border Station, shared, "The charity house was built by our unit with the total investment of over 145 million VND and was completed in August 2024, covering an area of more than 350 square meters. Inside, the space is divided into three main sections. On the left is an area for clothing and essential supplies. The central section houses bookshelves with nearly 200 titles and six internet-connected computers. On the right is the 'Frontier Medicine Cabinet' model, equipped with a medicine cabinet and an examination bed. Outside, on the left side of the courtyard, there is a free haircut station and a row of tables and chairs where people can sit and read books and newspapers."
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Residents selecting essential supplies at the charity house at Nam Can Border Station |
To ensure that the charity house operates sustainably, border station officers and soldiers contribute a portion of their monthly savings, while the remaining resources come from the generous support of benefactors nationwide.
When I visited the charity house, I met Va Y Ry, a resident of Huoi Nhao Village, Nam Can Commune, who was selecting essential supplies alongside other villagers. As she browsed the clothing section, she chose a neatly laundered, almost-new yellow spring-autumn jacket. At the essentials stall, she picked up a bottle of cooking oil and a packet of seasoning. "I'm happy to find what I need. I truly appreciate the kindness of the Nam Can border guards and all the generous donors," she said with a smile.
All donated goods and second-hand items received by the border station undergo quality checks and sorting. Slightly damaged items are repaired, while used clothing is washed and ironed before being made available.
Every Thursday, the station announces the schedule for families in the commune to visit and select goods based on their needs. Beneficiaries include impoverished households and underprivileged students, with each visitor allowed to choose two to three items per visit.
In Nam Can Commune, the H'mong ethnic group makes up over 95% of the population, and many families face financial difficulties. For local students, accessing internet-connected computers and books has long been a dream. Understanding this challenge, the charity house keeps its computer area open daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., allowing residents and students to study and stay informed. Additionally, for students, the border station collaborates with local schools to provide guided computer use and reading sessions on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. Outside, three rows of tables and chairs are arranged in the courtyard for those who wish to read in an open-air setting.
Every Tuesday and Thursday, eighth-grade student Va Y Xi from Nam Can Primary and Secondary Semi-Boarding School visits the charity house to learn computer skills and read books. "Here, the border guards help me find solutions to difficult math problems on the computer and introduce me to useful reference books. I’m really grateful for their kindness," she shared.
During my time at Nam Can Border Station, I heard many heartwarming stories from locals about the officers' support and the role of the charity house. Va No Cha, a resident of Tham Hin Village, recalled, "Once, I had a severe stomachache. When I went to the charity house, the station's military medical personnel examined me and provided free medicines. Soon after, I felt much better."
The medicine cabinet within the charity house serves as a hub for receiving and storing common medicines, which the station's medical personnel distribute free of charge to residents. They also offer basic medical check-ups, first aid for those with accidents and sudden illnesses before referring patients to higher-level health facilities, as well as consultations on hygiene, nutrition, and disease prevention.
Speaking about the charity house model, Lau Ba Xenh, Secretary of the Nam Can Commune Party Committee, remarked, "This initiative embodies the noble tradition of 'Uncle Ho’s Soldiers.' It comes from the hearts of dedicated servicemen and is supported by the goodwill of people nationwide. The Party Committee, local authorities, and residents deeply appreciate this invaluable kindness."
Translated by Trung Thanh