Footprints of volunteers in challenging lands.

(Baonghean) - The scorching summer sun could not deter the youth from climbing mountains and wading through streams to reach the remote villages of Chau Thanh commune, Quy Hop district, to carry out practical projects and tasks contributing to the construction of new rural areas.

Don't be afraid to overcome difficulties.

In Chau Thanh commune, the volunteer youth teams from six universities and colleges focused on organizing volunteer activities in Na An, Cham Hieng, Co villages and the commune center. "Because the areas are an average of 4-5km apart, and the terrain and roads are still difficult, the team has to move constantly instead of staying in one place," shared Vu Hai Tung, Team Leader of the Vinh Medical University Volunteer Youth Team.

The area was vast, requiring constant movement across hilly and mountainous terrain, and the volunteers' only means of transportation was their own two feet. The initial treks through mountains and streams left their feet aching, but surprisingly, no one counted how many streams they had crossed, because their minds were preoccupied with the concerns of Chau Thanh, a land still facing many difficulties and hardships.

On the bumpy road leading to the Chăm Hiêng village cultural center, the sounds of playful banter and laughter filled the construction site, creating a vibrant scene of volunteers in their green shirts. Here, more than 30 law students from Vinh University were participating in the construction of a volleyball court. Under the scorching sun, these young people, unfamiliar with strenuous work and heavy lifting, worked with great enthusiasm, especially the female students, who were just as dedicated as the male students.

Cao Thi Thu Hien, a volunteer, shared: "Although we're not as strong as the boys, we can do anything the boys can do here. From morning till evening, doing things like shoveling stones and pushing dump trucks feels normal to me; it's not too much for me."

Student volunteers from Vinh University participate in building a volleyball court in Cham Hieng village, Chau Thanh commune (Quy Hop district). Photo: My Nga

One group of young men used wheelbarrows to carry crushed stone, another group rhythmically turned the concrete mixers. A third group, once concrete was pumped in, used construction tools to rake the concrete and level the ground.

"When the concrete is pumped in by the tanker truck, someone has to start working immediately, otherwise the concrete will harden, so we always have to be ready," the students shared in unison.

Sweating profusely and covered in dust and sand, Nguyen Nhan Tu Huy (Team leader of the Law Faculty's volunteer team) said: "The atmosphere was very busy and cheerful. We only hoped to contribute our small efforts so that the people here could have a cleaner and more spacious recreational area."

Meanwhile, the volunteer team from Vinh University of Technology and Education is tasked with repairing electrical systems for families in Tien Thanh hamlet and the power grid to ensure safety, organizing awareness campaigns and providing guidance on energy-saving electricity usage, informing about regulations regarding the safety corridor for overhead power lines, and replacing light bulbs.

"The villagers here are very happy and excited that young people came to their homes to connect the electricity for lighting. In a poor rural village, having electricity for lighting is bringing a new and practical lease of life," a resident of Tien Thanh hamlet happily shared.

Leaving the lecture halls behind, the hardships of various jobs, however strenuous, could not dampen the joyful spirit of volunteerism. They went to the most difficult places, to families in need of help, to share and rekindle hope for a more fulfilling life.

Volunteering combined with skillful community outreach.

After the initial awkwardness upon arriving at the facility, the days spent "eating, living, and working together" with the local people gradually helped each volunteer mature and understand the local customs and traditions.

“On my first day interacting with the children here, I thought they would be just like my younger siblings at home, easy to teach and guide. However, when I started teaching, I found it a bit difficult because their Vietnamese is still poor,” confided Nguyen Thi Thao Nhi, a student at the College of Culture and Arts.

This is also the common feeling of many "teachers in blue uniforms." However, gradually, through interaction and a love for children, these volunteer classes have attracted more and more students. Besides reviewing academics, the children also learn to draw, sing, and participate in games.

Amidst the joyful singing filling the grounds of the Na An village cultural center, the bright eyes of the children shone in a vibrant summer. Vi Thi Thao shared, "Usually, when summer comes, we stay at home helping our parents. This year, with the volunteers organizing summer activities, we feel very happy."

The enthusiasm and friendliness of the young teachers created a close atmosphere, eliminating shyness and fostering confidence in the children, giving them a rewarding summer of learning and playing.

Students from the College of Education and the College of Arts teach children in mountainous areas. Photo: My Nga

One of the tasks of the youth volunteer teams is to organize the dissemination of legal information and environmental hygiene awareness campaigns, helping people learn how to live hygienically and prevent common diseases. Clean, beautiful, and spacious roads are cleared and improved, creating a new environmental landscape in the villages. All activities receive enthusiastic participation from the local people.

Nguyen Van Chien, a student at Vinh University of Technology and Education, shared: “Wherever we go, we receive support. Not only do the Youth Union members and young people participate, but the local people also provide assistance. This gives us more motivation to strive to complete our tasks.”

Not only demonstrated through practical activities, the actions and enthusiastic atmosphere of the Youth Volunteer Teams have also inspired the spirit and movement of people participating in building new rural areas.

"Seeing the young volunteers from far away come to help our village build roads and clean up the environment, there's no reason why we shouldn't join in. It's both fun and heartwarming. Whenever the volunteers come to the village, it's always lively. We work during the day and socialize and socialize in the evenings, fostering unity and camaraderie," shared a resident of Co village.

Student volunteers from Vinh Medical University provided free medical examinations and dispensed free medicine to over 500 people. Photo: My Nga

“If you were a bird, a leaf, then the bird must sing, the leaf must be green. How can you borrow without repaying? Life is about giving, not just receiving for oneself.” The ideal of “living to contribute” brought these students closer together and enabled them to live life to the fullest through summer volunteer trips. The sweat, tears, and smiles, fueled by the fire of youth, created a meaningful summer.

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