As a respected figure in Tong Cooi village, Song Vang commune, he is widely regarded as the person whose words carry weight and whose actions inspire.
At the age of 73, while many choose a life of rest, Elder Min remains actively engaged in community affairs. His modest stilt house is a familiar place where villagers come to discuss livelihoods, family matters, and shared concerns. Born and raised in Tong Cooi, he understands the realities of local life, where people rely on unstable incomes from acacia, cassava, and upland rice cultivation. This deep understanding allows him to communicate policies in a simple, relatable manner.
    |
 |
|
Elder Min (third from left) regularly disseminates information about State's laws to local people. |
His approach is grounded in examples. He believes that people only trust what they can see in practice. This principle was clearly demonstrated in 2022, when Song Vang commune implemented the National Target Program on new-style rural area development. For a mountainous locality facing many challenges, expanding rural roads required not only financial resources, but also the consensus of local residents.
Faced with concerns from villagers about donating land, cutting trees, and relocating fences, Elder Min took the lead by voluntarily contributing 500 square meters of his family’s garden land for road construction. For a rural household, such a decision was significant, as land is closely tied to livelihood. Initially, even his family members hesitated. However, after he explained the long-term benefits, such as improved transportation, reduced hardship during rainy and dry seasons, and better opportunities for future generations, they agreed to support the decision.
His action created a strong ripple effect within the community. While villagers generally supported the policy, many were still uncertain about its long-term impact. By taking the initiative and then patiently visiting each household to explain the benefits, Elder Min helped dispel doubts. Gradually, residents began to contribute land and labor voluntarily. As a result, muddy dirt paths were replaced by clean, spacious concrete roads, improving both mobility and living conditions.
Local residents acknowledged the significance of his role. For many families, the initial hesitation about losing productive land was overcome by his example and clear explanations. The newly-built roads have since made daily life more convenient, especially for children traveling to school and for economic activities within the community.
Beyond infrastructure development, Elder Min has also devoted considerable effort to preserving the cultural identity of the Co Tu people. He regularly encourages villagers to maintain traditional festivals, preserve their language, and safeguard traditional clothing and musical instruments. At the same time, he reminds younger generations to value and continue the cultural heritage passed down by their ancestors.
In addition, he plays an important role as a mediator in the village. From family conflicts and land disputes to sensitive social issues, such as child marriage, consanguineous marriage, and domestic violence, he patiently explains matters with both reason and compassion. His involvement has helped resolve many disputes at the grassroots level, preventing them from escalating.
Elder Min is also actively involved in maintaining security and social order. He works closely with local authorities, including the commune police and mass organizations, to disseminate legal knowledge and encourage compliance with state regulations. Through these efforts, he helps ensure stability within the community and prevents negative influences from taking root.
His credibility and deep understanding of local customs have made him an effective link between authorities and residents. Through his contributions, policies are implemented more effectively, and the voices and concerns of the people are better understood. Local officials recognize that individuals like Elder Min play a key role in strengthening unity and promoting development at the grassroots level.
For his dedication, he has received several commendations. In 2023, he was awarded a certificate of merit by the Committee for Ethnic Minority Affairs for his contributions to ethnic policies. In 2024, he was recognized by Military Region 5 as an exemplary reputable individual. These honors reflect not only his personal contribution, but also the important role of respected community figures in maintaining unity, political stability, and social order.
Despite these recognitions, Elder Min remains modest. He continues his work with a sense of responsibility, focusing on helping people understand policies and build trust within the community.
As Song Vang continues to develop, Elder Min remains a steady presence, quietly fostering unity and trust among villagers. The concrete roads running through Tong Cooi village stand as clear evidence of what can be achieved through collective effort guided by strong leadership at the grassroots level. In this mountainous region, individuals like him continue to play a vital role in ensuring that development is both sustainable and rooted in the strength of community cohesion.
Translated by Tran Hoai