Ignite the flame of faith and love.

(Baonghean.vn)After more than two years since the launch of the "Shelter for the Poor in Border and Island Areas" campaign, initiated by the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front, the Border Guard Command, and the People's Army Newspaper, nearly 200 houses have been handed over to the people. The program not only helps the poor escape from temporary or dilapidated housing but also acts as a breath of fresh air, fostering solidarity, encouraging them to overcome difficulties, and promoting diligence and creativity in production to escape poverty.

In accordance with Plan No. 1783 dated October 21, 2008, of the Border Guard Command and Inter-agency Guidance No. 1838 dated October 27, 2008, of the Standing Committee of the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front and the Border Guard Command on the implementation of the "Shelter for the Poor in Border and Island Areas" campaign, the Border Guard Command of Nghe An province and the Standing Committee of the Provincial Fatherland Front Committee proposed a policy, which was highly approved by the Provincial Party Committee, to allocate funds from the local "Fund for the Poor" to support the project. Simultaneously, they organized fundraising among officers, soldiers, and employees of the provincial Border Guard, affiliated agencies and units, and businesses inside and outside the province to contribute additional funds for the "construction of houses for the poor in border and coastal areas". Therefore, the campaign was implemented with a high sense of responsibility and enthusiasm, and to date, nearly 200 houses have been handed over to the poor.

Officers and soldiers of Border Guard Post 551 build solidarity houses for poor households in the commune.
Tam Hop (Tuong Duong district)

To ensure progress, the Border Guard and the Provincial Fatherland Front Committee coordinated to direct Party committees and commanders of border guard posts along the two border and coastal lines to survey poor households without housing or living in dilapidated temporary shelters, prioritizing families eligible for social welfare policies, and holding meetings to select and approve them. At the same time, they established carpentry teams and mobilized all resources and materials to build houses for the people.

The family of Mr. Vu Tong Long in Huoi Son village, Tam Hop commune (Tuong Duong district) previously lacked a decent house, leading to instability and frequent migrations. Since moving into their new home, their joy has doubled. Mr. Long and his wife and children now raise livestock, cultivate rice paddies, and grow local crops like taro and green squash. His family is now a model of economic development in the commune.

Mr. Long said: "Without the help from above, especially the Border Guard, even the 'old' wouldn't be able to build a house to live in." Along with Mr. Long, the family of Mr. Xong Ba Anh (30 years old), also from Huoi Son village, after having a new house, not only diligently worked in production but also voluntarily encouraged the villagers to live in unity, not to migrate freely, not to rely on the authorities, and to work hard. The "Shelter for the Poor in Border and Island Areas" program has truly had a significant impact on the spiritual lives of the people in Huoi Son village. From a poor village that didn't know how to grow rice or raise cattle, Huoi Son has now reclaimed over 10 hectares of land for rice cultivation, the entire village raises nearly 200 buffalo and cattle in concentrated farming areas, raises chickens, and grows taro and green squash... Notably, Mr. Xong Ba Anh was elected as the deputy village head.

Mr. Tran Minh Cong, Head of Political Affairs of the Provincial Border Guard, said: "The 'Shelter for the Poor in Border and Island Areas' program not only helps poor families have sturdy houses but also helps people change their perceptions, live in solidarity, and proactively strive to escape poverty. During the house construction period, the Border Guard helps people apply science to production, livestock farming, and cultivation, launching movements to raise fish in cages, ducks, buffaloes, and cattle, and cultivate specialty crops... In addition, there is the attention of all levels and sectors, especially the guiding role of the Fatherland Front and the local Party committees and authorities, and the forces stationed in the area..."

Changes in border and island areas have been brought about by many programs, including the significant impact of "Shelter for the Poor in Border and Island Areas". The results of the program have contributed to strengthening the trust of the people in the Party committees, government, Fatherland Front, mass organizations, and especially in the Border Guard force. This has contributed to building a stronger and more solid foundation of public support in border and coastal areas.

Thu Huong