During the war, generations of youth volunteers of the country in general and Nghe An in particular volunteered to devote their youth to contribute to the heroic history of the nation. When the country was unified, they were the vanguard force on the front line of land reclamation and economic development. That passionate flame has been continued until today, when the Nghe An Youth Volunteer Force continues to overcome all difficulties, unite to contribute to building the homeland right in the most difficult areas.
On the occasion of the 73rd anniversary of the Youth Volunteer Force's Traditional Day (July 15, 1950 - July 15, 2023), Nghe An Newspaper had a conversation with Mr. Nguyen Dinh Thang - Commander of the Youth Volunteer Force of Nghe An province.
PV:Could you tell us about the situation, characteristics and important contributions of the Nghe An Youth Volunteer Force to the comprehensive development of the province? In Nghe An, what are the unique characteristics of this force compared to other provinces and cities?
Mr. Nguyen Dinh Thang:73 years ago, on July 15, 1950, in the midst of the war against the French colonialists, the first Central Youth Volunteer Team was honored to be personally directed by Uncle Ho to be established with 225 cadres and team members at Hong Mountain, Dinh Hoa District, Thai Nguyen Province.
In that historical flow, the Nghe An Youth Volunteer Force was also born, along with more than 650,000 Youth Volunteer Force cadres and soldiers nationwide, more than 480,000 Youth Volunteer Force cadres and soldiers of Nghe An province volunteered to serve the resistance war and build the country. Since that historic moment, the Youth Volunteer Force in general and the Nghe An Youth Volunteer Force in particular have continuously developed and promoted revolutionary heroism, contributing their efforts, intelligence, blood and bones, dedicating their youth, contributing with the entire army and people to make glorious achievements.
Currently, the Nghe An Provincial Youth Volunteer Force has 07 Youth Volunteer Force units including the Youth Volunteer Force Command Board, 05 Youth Volunteer Force Teams and the Phuc Son Voluntary Drug Rehabilitation Center. In the past time, the Nghe An Youth Volunteer Force has performed its role well, daring to think, daring to do, demonstrating the practical and creative capacity of the Youth Union organization in implementing the province's goals to solve difficulties in mountainous areas, remote areas. Here, the Youth Volunteer Force has done a good job of protecting and developing forests, the total forest area managed, protected and produced by the Nghe An Youth Volunteer Force Teams is over 22,638 hectares of protective forest and production forest. At the same time, from the wild lands, this force has pioneered in reclaiming and building concentrated industrial crop areas such as: 1,438 hectares of tea, 480 hectares of sugarcane, 123 hectares of pineapple; Participate well in the forest development, protection and planting program, reaching 40,939 hectares.
Continuing the tradition of previous generations of Youth Volunteers, the Youth Volunteers - economic development force of the province has become an economic - social model in the key areas of Western Nghe An. The members wearing green shirts have been tirelessly contributing to the economic and social development in the places where the unit is located, at the same time becoming border checkpoints; being a model and driving force to promote the economic - social development of ethnic minorities in the highlands, actively contributing to the economic - social development and maintaining political security, social order and safety of the province. The implementation of the task of economic development always goes hand in hand with the development of culture and education when contributing to the building of cultural life, eliminating backward customs in the villages and hamlets in the area of residence. At the same time, well performing the task of management, vocational education for drug addicts and post-drug addicts.
PV:Recently, some Youth Volunteer Teams in the province have had to disband. Can you share more about this issue?
Mr. Nguyen Dinh Thang:In order to promote the achieved results, overcome the shortcomings and limitations in the organization and operation of the Youth Volunteer Force, on the basis of Decree No. 12/2011/ND-CP of the Government, the Standing Committee of the Provincial Youth Union advised the People's Committee of Nghe An province to issue Decision No. 3051/QD-UBND dated July 1, 2014 approving the Project "Improving the organization and operation of the Youth Volunteer Force - Construction and Engineering in Nghe An province". This project has contributed to overcoming the practical shortcomings in the organization and operation of the Youth Volunteer Force - Construction and Engineering model, at the same time creating a legal basis to continue building and developing the Youth Volunteer Force as well as dissolving a number of Youth Volunteer Force - Construction and Engineering in Nghe An province that have fulfilled their roles.
Currently, Nghe An province is dissolving 3 Youth Volunteer Teams, including: Youth Volunteer Team 1 is dissolved and transferred to the locality; Youth Volunteer Team 2 is dissolved and merged into Nghe An Rubber Development Investment Joint Stock Company; Youth Volunteer Team 3 is dissolved and transferred to TH Raw Material Development Investment Joint Stock Company in Phu Quy region.
These are youth volunteer units that have completed their roles and tasks. If they cannot switch to other types of operations in accordance with the law, the dissolution of the unit is inevitable.
PV:In the modern pace of life with many changes in society, what challenges are the provincial Youth Volunteer Force facing and what solutions are being put forward to overcome them?
Mr. Nguyen Dinh Thang: In the current period, Nghe An Youth Volunteers are facing significant challenges. One of the biggest challenges is that the organization of the Youth Volunteers has not been clearly established, although there is Decree No. 12/2011/ND-CP on the organization and policies for the Youth Volunteers. The activities of Nghe An Youth Volunteers are concentrated in particularly difficult areas in the province, which causes difficulties in planning and training staff, leading to the inability to attract high-quality human resources to work in the Youth Volunteers. Moreover, the income of officials and employees in the Youth Volunteers is still low, causing difficulties in retaining and attracting talent.
To address these challenges, a number of solutions can be proposed. First, it is necessary to strengthen the propaganda, inspection and supervision of officials and workers working in the Youth Volunteer Units. This helps to ensure compliance with regulations and improve the quality of their work. Second, it is necessary to create a favorable environment and conditions for working in the Youth Volunteer Units. It is important to consider measures to increase the income of officials and workers in the Youth Volunteer Units, ensuring that their work is recognized and deserved.
Finally, it is necessary to conduct research and propose specific measures for the Standing Committee of the Provincial Youth Union to develop and submit for approval the Project to reorganize the Nghe An Youth Volunteer Force. At the same time, it is necessary to coordinate with the Department of Home Affairs to propose planning, training and rotation of cadres for civil servants and workers working in the Youth Volunteer Force. This helps to improve the capacity and quality of the Youth Volunteer Force, better meeting the requirements and assigned tasks.
PV:In the future, what long-term goals does the Provincial Youth Union set?
Mr. Nguyen Dinh Thang: Entering the new phase, from the requirements of reality, the representative of the provincial Youth Union set the first goal of coordinating and advising the Standing Committee of the Provincial Youth Union to submit for approval the Project to reorganize the organization and apparatus of the Nghe An Youth Union according to new regulations. At the same time, continue to build a Youth Union management apparatus with enthusiasm, qualifications, dynamism and creativity. Gradually train knowledge and professional skills for managers and Youth Union members and attract young intellectuals to work in units of the Youth Union.
More importantly, constantly enhance the vanguard role of the Youth Volunteer Corps in participating in socio-economic development in the area of stationing. Support and replicate economic models, study to improve knowledge, skills, career orientation, coordinate the transfer and application of science and technology, integrate agricultural and forestry development programs, and actively participate in building new rural areas.
Finally, for vulnerable people who need support after drug rehabilitation, the Youth Volunteer Force also sets out the goal of supporting them in organizing drug rehabilitation, vocational training and reintegrating into the community for people after drug rehabilitation.
PV:Do you have any advice or messages you would like to share with young people who want to join the Youth Volunteer Force to contribute and grow?
Mr. Nguyen Dinh Thang: Nowadays, in the process of innovation, promoting industrialization, modernization and international integration, the youth of the whole country in general, Nghe An in particular, have been and are continuing to promote the precious traditions of previous generations, quickly adapting to new conditions, having the will to rise up, establish a career, be proactive and creative. Many exemplary young people in studying, working, doing business, in cultural - social activities, science and technology, in defending the Fatherland, maintaining political security, order and social safety... have contributed to further embellishing the glorious traditions and pride of the young generation of Vietnam in the new revolutionary period.
From that vivid reality, I believe that there will be many young people willing to overcome difficulties to be present in all difficult places. Because talking about Youth Volunteers means working in areas with many shortages. However, after the difficulties are the joy and happiness of witnessing lush green gardens covering bare hills, the trust of the local people, and the happy smiles after bumper crops in remote areas. Therefore, for young people choosing the Youth Volunteer environment, it will certainly be a great place to contribute, train and mature. Just like Uncle Ho taught: "Nothing is difficult/ Only fear of not being persistent/ Digging mountains and filling seas/ With determination, it will be possible".
PV:Thanks for this chat!