Fireplaces in Ban Co

(Baonghean) -In the story with me, Mr. Vy Van La "compared" his wife and the women in the village to "fireplaces". And, I went to Ban Co (Chau Thanh commune, Quy Hop district, Nghe An) to find the origin of that comparison...

Living scattered along the slopes of Pu Coi and Pu Chon mountains surrounded by streams on all sides, Ban Co is almost isolated from the outside world. The hardship of the journey to the village brings with it heartbreaking consequences: children are uneducated, poverty and backward customs cling to every household. For countless days, the mothers and sisters here have looked towards the vast Pu Huong mountain range, secretly hoping for a miracle to make their lives less difficult.

A meeting of Ban Co women.

And then, that dream miracle came true when the village women's association was established. Not only joining the activities for the village and the people's enjoyment, the women of Ban Co have determined that the Women's Association is their common home. Since then, at every association meeting, the women have enthusiastically discussed, giving advice on how to escape poverty, how to take care of the elderly, raise healthy children, teach good children... The movement has continued to grow, and the Ban Co Women's Association has become a name that is always mentioned in every commendation and evaluation period. In 2010 alone, the Association has mobilized women to donate to help women members in especially difficult circumstances with cash, rice, firewood, working days, clothes... worth 12 million VND. Helping working days and materials for 14 member families to demolish dilapidated thatched houses, relocate houses to avoid floods and landslides worth more than 15 million VND.

A corner of Ban Co today.

From the emulation movement, in Ban Co, there have appeared more and more examples of overcoming difficulties. Typical examples include Ms. Luong Thi Hong and Ms. Ngan Thi Minh who raised their children to be good and studious. Ms. Vi Thi Hong and Ms. Loc Thi Dao are good at raising animals. Ms. Nguyen Thi Xuan, Lang Thi Mai, Luong Thi Bon... are pioneers in growing hybrid acacia and Diem Truc bamboo with dozens of hectares per family.

Now I understand why simple and honest husbands like Vy Van La compare their wives to “fireplaces”. I believe that it is the simple Thai women – those “fireplaces” who warm the homes and help to dispel the darkness of poverty in this land.

Cao Duy Thai