Touching story of a 5th grade boy donating 'plastic pigs' to concretize village roads

Ms. Nguyen Thi Tho - Head of Hamlet 2, Thanh Lam Commune said that in recent days, the people of Hamlet 2 have been activelyconcretevillage roads and alleys. In a short time, most of the roads belonging to the self-governing groups have been concreted, except for the road section passing through Ram Nhe temple which has not been completed.

Meanwhile, Tran Phung Thien (11 years old), son of Nguyen Thi Huong, came to donate lucky money with the wish to contribute more funds to pour concrete on the road.templeRam Nhe, surprised the whole neighborhood.

Tran Phung Thien lost his father at the age of 9. Photo: Huy Thu

“That afternoon, my child came to my house and asked for lucky money to build the road. I followed him home, and in front of many people, he handed over the “plastic piggy bank” and explained the situation. After that, we cut open the “pig” and counted 1,650,000 VND. I couldn’t hold back my tears at the child’s gesture,” Mrs. Tho shared.

Mrs. Tho added that thanks to her grandson's wish to concrete the road to the village temple, the village officials were determined to mobilize people to contribute to complete the concrete pouring: "To be honest, at that time, we were not mentally prepared to build this road section, because the road did not go through people's houses, while funding was lacking. However, thanks to Thien, we were more motivated and determined to do it."

The plastic piggy bank and the money Thien donated to support the neighborhood in building concrete roads. Photo: Huy Thu

After only a few days of calling, the neighbors and children far from home contributed tens of millions of dong. The village committee quickly proceeded to pour concrete on the road. The road connecting the inter-village road with Ram Nhe temple, 165m long, 2.5m wide, 0.15m thick, was completed in the excitement of the people.local.

“There was still 13 million VND left over from the road construction fund, so we refunded the money to Thien, but he still refused, saying that the neighborhood should use that money to build a wall around the temple,” said Mrs. Tho.

Mrs. Nguyen Thi Tho and her grandson Tran Phung Thien. Photo: Huy Thu

The story of a 5th grader donating a "plastic pig" to pour concrete on a village road moved and impressed many people in Thanh Lam commune and neighboring communes.

Mrs. Bui Thi Hien, a local resident, said: The day my nephew passed by my house, he asked: "Uncle Hien, why don't you make this road beautiful?" I said: "No, I don't have money. Do you want to support me? I'll do it." Thien immediately said: "I don't have any lucky money, I'll support you." Unexpectedly, my nephew actually brought lucky money to support me. I was so touched.

The village road connecting the inter-hamlet road with Ram Nhe temple has been concreted. Photo: Huy Thu

Thien is known to be the youngest in a family of 3 siblings. His father passed away in 2018 due to a serious illness. Ms. Bui Thi Huong, Thien's mother, shared: Thien lost his father early, but he is obedient, has a high sense of self-awareness, and rarely needs to be reminded by his mother. Every day, he does many things to help his mother such as cooking, cleaning, herding buffaloes and cows, feeding pigs and chickens. At night, he also pulls straw to feed buffaloes and cows...

Regarding Thien’s donation of lucky money to the neighborhood to build concrete roads, Ms. Huong said: “He prepared a piggy bank during Tet. When I heard him say he would donate money in the piggy bank to help the neighborhood build concrete roads, I was surprised. At first, I tried to stop him, but then, seeing his determination, I happily encouraged him to carry out his intention.”

Thien and his mother at home. Photo: Huy Thu

Thien is currently studying in grade 5 at Thanh Lam Primary School. Over the years, he has been an excellent student every year. Regarding Thien's actions, the Thanh Lam Primary School group wrote: "The little student with big thoughts boldly went to see the village chief and voluntarily contributed all of his lucky money, 1,650,000 VND, with the hope of concrete-making the road of his dreams."

Mrs. Nguyen Thi Tho - Head of Hamlet 2, Thanh Lam Commune affirmed: Thien's actions have surprised adults. He is worthy of being a role model for children "Children doing good deeds". Thanks to the noble actions of people like Thien, our hamlet has soon completed the concrete target. We are really happy.