Peel the shrimp.

(Baonghean)The peeled shrimp processing industry has existed for over a decade in Dien Ngoc (Dien Chau). This industry has created jobs and income for hundreds of local workers...

We arrived at the seafood purchasing facility of Mr. Le Van Tuan (55 years old) in Ngoc Tan hamlet, Dien Ngoc commune (Dien Chau district), which specializes in buying shrimp, fish, and squid. It was already noon, but many people, young and old, mostly women, were still diligently working. Some were peeling shrimp, others washing squid, and still others drying them... they worked and chatted at the same time, creating a lively atmosphere.

The shrimp processing facility of Mr. Le Van Tuan, Ngoc Tan hamlet, Dien Ngoc commune (Dien Chau).

Ms. Le Thi Hong, while washing shrimp, proudly shared: “Compared to grilling fish, peeling shrimp is less strenuous and the work is more stable. Our team of 10 women peels shrimp for 3 businesses in the commune, and our income is calculated per product. On average, we earn around 5 million VND per month. However, besides ensuring quantity, we also have to ensure quality; the shrimp must be washed thoroughly, cooked evenly, and not stirred by hand when drying in the sun… The younger children take advantage of their free time to work. Le Ngoc Binh (13 years old), nicknamed “Black Binh” by the shrimp-peeling group because of his sunburnt skin, said: “Compared to cleaning boats, peeling shrimp is much easier and provides a higher income. Before, because there weren't many buyers of shrimp for export, I had to choose the job of cleaning boats. Binh said: “I work when I have free time, and I don't work when I'm busy with school. There's always work in my village, whether it's washing fish, drying fish, or peeling shrimp. There are many business owners in the commune now.” "There's simply no time to do it; the main labor force in this profession is still adults, the women," Binh said. While studying, Binh takes advantage of his days off to peel shrimp, earning over 1 million dong a month.

After school, Bình quickly puts away his schoolbag and goes to the shrimp peeling shop. He peels a large basket of shrimp in no time, then spreads them out on a drying rack. This work has been a habit for him since he was eight years old. Bình's family consists of five people: his parents and two older sisters. His father is a fisherman, and his mother and two sisters sell goods at the Diễn Ngọc fish market while also peeling shrimp, earning a decent income. Every day, at 5 a.m., his mother, Hồng, wakes up to cook rice. After breakfast, Bình goes to school, and his mother and two sisters peel shrimp from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. In the afternoon, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., they don't peel shrimp but pack and sort dried squid. Their average income is nearly 5 million dong per person per month. Bình is proficient in everything from washing and boiling shrimp to peeling and packaging. His hands are nimble and skillful. After 5 years of peeling shrimp, Binh was able to buy a bicycle, help his parents with the cost of school supplies, and save nearly 5 million VND. While peeling shrimp, the children also discuss their lessons and review what they have learned. Mr. Le Van Tuan (owner of a shrimp and fish processing facility) said: "Seeing the children working here comfortably and discussing their lessons makes me happy too!"

The job of peeling shrimp has existed in Dien Ngoc for over a decade, but it has developed most significantly in the last 5 years, creating regular employment for local workers. Spending just 3 or 4 hours a day peeling shrimp can earn 70,000 to 100,000 VND. The majority of workers are women, while children like Binh only work during their free time, especially during summer vacation. Binh confided: "We're young, we do small jobs; this work isn't too strenuous, and in return, we earn money to help our parents." The work ethic of children like Binh, Duc, and Tu in this coastal area is truly commendable.

An Ngoc