Hundreds of villagers from Roc hamlet "joined forces" to plant rice to help a family in difficult circumstances.

Despite being nearly 80 years old, Mrs. Hoang Thi Soa, residing in Hamlet 6, Dien Minh Commune, is still unable to rest in her old age due to numerous worries. Her husband passed away prematurely, and her eldest son also died from illness at a very young age. She is left with only her youngest son, Cao Dinh Thanh (born in 1970), and his wife, Hoang Thi Linh, as her support in her old age. However, tragedy struck when Mr. Thanh was involved in a serious traffic accident and had to be treated at Bach Mai Hospital in Hanoi.

Not only did the family have to sell all their assets to pay for his medical treatment, but the 8 acres of rice fields – the family's only source of income – had to be left fallow, especially since Mrs. Soa was elderly and frail, and her two grandchildren were only in elementary school.

Knowing about the difficult circumstances of Mrs. Soa's family, Mr. Hoang Trong Huong - Secretary of the Party Branch of Hamlet 6, along with the Head of the Women's Association of Hamlet 6, mobilized the villagers to participate in plowing, harrowing, and planting rice on Mrs. Soa's 8 sao (approximately 0.8 hectares) of rice fields to ensure timely planting.

Villagers in Hamlet 6, Dien Minh Commune, help plant rice for Mrs. Hoang Thi Soa's family. Photo: Truong Bao

Following the announcement, nearly 100 villagers from various organizations, including the Youth Union, the Farmers' Association, and the Women's Association, arrived promptly to plow and plant rice seedlings. That same afternoon, the entire area was covered with plastic bags to protect the seedlings from the cold.

Reportedly, all the costs for plastic bags, seedlings, and tractor rental were covered by donations from the local people.

Mr. Hoang Trong Huong, Secretary of the Party Branch of Hamlet 6, shared: “To help Mrs. Soa feel at ease while her son is hospitalized and to ensure her grandchildren don't have to miss school, as both have been excellent students for many years, the people in the hamlet, especially the Women's Association, have been taking turns managing her family's farming. In addition, in recent days, the hamlet has also been responsible for 5 sao (approximately 0.5 hectares) of rice fields belonging to Ms. Thai Thi Nhung and 6 sao (approximately 0.6 hectares) belonging to Ms. Ha Thi Thuy, both of whom are undergoing treatment for serious illnesses. Although most people in the hamlet still face many difficulties in life, the spirit of mutual support and neighborly solidarity has been maintained for decades.”