A bright spot in building cultural institutions in Hoang Mai.

The South American Block in Quynh Thien Ward has 203 households. The people here still face many difficulties, mainly engaging in small-scale trading and services, but they always maintain a strong sense of community and neighborly solidarity. Any activities of the block or neighborhood, or construction projects and transportation infrastructure, are wholeheartedly supported by the residents, who voluntarily contribute money and labor instead of waiting for or relying on the government. Furthermore, the Party branch, the Front Committee, and the neighborhood groups operate effectively, further strengthening this sense of community and neighborly solidarity.

The South American Block Cultural Center (formerly Block 4) was completed with the enthusiastic support of the local people. Photo: Viet Phuong

In a conversation with us, Comrade Nguyen Ba Menh, Secretary of the Party Branch of Nam My Block, Quynh Thien Ward, shared that although the people's lives are still fraught with difficulties, they always remain united and support each other; cultural and sports activities are all excellent. From 2003 to the present, the block has continuously been recognized as a Cultural Village and an outstanding advanced block. The block's cultural center, inaugurated and put into operation in 2019 with a total value of over 450 million VND, received 150 million VND in support from the town, with the remainder donated by residents and philanthropists.

The leaders of Quynh Thien ward further stated that securing land for investment in cultural facilities that meet standards is very difficult. However, with the determination of the Party Committee and the government at all levels, standard cultural facilities are gradually being built, ensuring the needs of the people and the organization of cultural, artistic, and sports activities throughout the ward.

Bao Minh Pagoda in Quynh Thien ward was renovated thanks to the donations of local people. Photo: Viet Phuong

Currently, the ward has one multi-functional cultural center that meets the cultural and artistic needs of the ward. The local authorities also pay attention to repairing and supplementing equipment at the cultural center. The ward's stadium has been upgraded in terms of playing surface and equipment for sports activities, including a volleyball court and lighting system to ensure adequate facilities for sports. Currently, 8 out of 10 block cultural centers in the ward have been invested in, repaired, or newly built to be spacious and modern, while the Tan Son and Tan Huong cultural centers have been approved for new construction in 2020.

Following the principle of "the State and the people working together," and with the joint efforts of officials and people throughout the commune, grassroots cultural institutions in Hoang Mai town have received attention and investment for construction.

Despite limited budgets, it is encouraging that new, well-equipped village cultural centers and sports fields have been built, and cultural facilities are gradually being upgraded thanks to the proactive contributions of the people. This has contributed to the strong development of cultural, artistic, and sports activities, actively serving local political objectives and improving the quality of life for the people.

Comrade To Huy Hung - Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Hoang Mai town

In implementing the campaign "All people unite to build new rural areas and civilized urban areas," the people were mobilized to donate 10,025 m² of land.²land, 587.6 m²²boundary wall, 265.4 m²The project involved 4,500 man-days of labor for rural development and urban beautification. Currently, the town has 4 communes recognized as meeting the standards for new rural development.

Quynh Thien Kindergarten (Hoang Mai town) is being urgently completed. Photo: Viet Phuong

The gradual construction of public cultural institutions and community centers has significantly contributed to the implementation of a civilized urban lifestyle, initially fostering good habits in people's lives; and promoting civilized practices in weddings, funerals, and festivals. The quality of life for the people has improved noticeably, both materially and spiritually.

In 2019, the percentage of culturally exemplary families reached 75.3%, the percentage of culturally exemplary villages and blocks reached 68.7%; and the percentage of culturally exemplary agencies and units reached 19.56% (an increase of 5.43% compared to 2018). The system of cultural institutions at the grassroots level basically meets the needs of the community; currently, 97% of villages and blocks have community centers, and construction is underway on two more cultural centers (in Quynh Thien ward)... To date, 8 out of 10 wards and communes have achieved comprehensive cultural and sports facilities; 3 communes and wards have cultural and sports facilities that meet the standards.

Many cultural and sports facilities and activities in the town operate effectively, attracting a large number of people to participate. In the photo: Procession of the Fishermen's Palanquin at the Cờn Temple Festival. Photo courtesy of Nhật Thanh.

Currently, many cultural and sports facilities and activities in the town are operating effectively, attracting a large number of people for recreation and entertainment. The voluntary participation of residents in building cultural facilities and actively engaging in activities at these facilities demonstrates the community's self-governance in preserving and developing local culture and sports, a positive aspect of the town that should be encouraged and replicated.