Recorded in a representative cultural block.

(Baonghean)Over the years, the movement "All people unite to build a cultured life in residential areas" in Block 9, Kim Son Town (Que Phong District) has been strongly promoted. This can be considered a bright spot in building a cultured life in a mountainous border district.

In Block 9 these days, the people are eagerly preparing for the 50th anniversary of the founding of Que Phong district. Welcoming us at the block's cultural center, Mr. Lu Thanh Hoa, the block leader, said: Block 9 was established 20 years ago and is located in the center of Que Phong district. The entire block currently has 92 households with 356 people and three ethnic groups – Thai, Kinh, and Tho – living together in unity. Over the years, the movement to encourage people to participate in the "All people unite to build a cultured life in residential areas" has been strongly implemented and has yielded many noteworthy results.

Over the years, the people of Block 9 have consistently complied with and implemented the Party's policies and the State's laws, fulfilling the socio-economic targets assigned by higher authorities. In addition, cultural and educational work has also yielded noteworthy results. The block is preserving and promoting the ethnic cultural identity, including gongs, flutes, two-stringed fiddles, bamboo flutes, bamboo pole dances, and traditional folk songs. 100% of children of school age attend school, and in 2012, six students from the block achieved excellent student status at the district and provincial levels.

Promoting grassroots democracy, when implementing any content or issue, the Block Committee always organizes discussions, reaches consensus, and fully informs the people. This builds trust among the people and fosters a sense of compliance with the Party and State's policies. A particularly noteworthy point we heard from Mr. Hoa was the reform of customs and traditions stipulated in the Block's Village Charter, which has been well-received and highly appreciated by the people. Accordingly, when a family in the block experiences a funeral, all other families have a responsibility to offer condolences and assistance. To share the burden with families facing hardship, the Village Charter stipulates that each household contributes 100,000 VND if they do not provide shelter for guests. For households that do provide shelter, the contribution is only 50,000 VND. This regulation has been well-received and supported by the people, highlighting the value of mutual support and assistance in times of difficulty and hardship. Regarding marriage, the entire group reminded each other to organize it in a thrifty and wholesome manner and to avoid child marriage.

Besides that, many cultural movements have been strongly developed and promoted by officials and people in the block, with high quality. Currently, the block has established clubs such as "5 No's, 3 Cleanliness," the "Awakening and Martial Arts" health and wellness club, and "Green, Clean, and Beautiful" road sections. Another highlight is family planning. Thanks to effective propaganda and mobilization, since its establishment, the block has not had any cases of third births. Environmental sanitation is also emphasized. Currently, 100% of households in the block have hygienic toilets, and over 80% have septic systems. "Every Saturday and Sunday morning, the block organizes residents to clean up and clear bushes. This is a regular movement of the block to promote the spirit of maintaining environmental hygiene among the people. If a household is absent many times without reason, the block will not consider them for the 'Cultural Family' award that year," Mr. Hoa shared.

The residents of Block 9 (Kim Son Town) are doing a good job of maintaining cleanliness in their neighborhood.
Photo: CS

Not only strong in socio-cultural aspects, Block 9 is known for its balanced economic development. Depending on the assigned political tasks, organizations and associations within the block guide and encourage people to compete in building increasingly prosperous economies. The movement to raise black chickens, which started with 10 households, has now spread to almost all households in the block. In 2012, the average per capita income reached 26 million VND. Leading us to the home of Mr. Hun Vi Tu, Head of the Block's Front Committee, we were met with praise for his innovative and dynamic approach to livestock development. Despite being retired, Mr. Tu remains passionate about his work. Currently, his family raises dozens of monkeys, porcupines, bamboo rats, and chickens, generating nearly 100 million VND in income annually. Furthermore, he assists many other households in the block with breeding stock and farming techniques to help them increase their family income.

Recognizing the achievements of the 9th grade, in 2000, the grade was awarded a provincial-level cultural certificate. Since then, the grade has consistently maintained this title and has continued to develop it sustainably and strongly.

Pham Bang