The story of Mr. Nga learning from Uncle Ho.

Mr. Nga quietly cleans up the beach. Photo: QL

Don't be afraid of difficult tasks.

Starting by doing his job well is also a way for Mr. Nguyen Tan Nga to learn from Ho Chi Minh's ideology, ethics, and style.

Mr. Nga recounted that in 1999, he was entrusted with the position of Head of Thuong Thanh village (now Hoa Thuong village) after he and the commune's militia bravely fought amidst the devastating floods of 1999, saving rice, fish sauce, salt, pigs, and chickens for the people of Tam Thanh coastal commune. In his new role, Mr. Nga recognized that trust came with great responsibility.

“Uncle Ho taught us, ‘Anyone, regardless of their position, occupation, or circumstances, must have a sense of responsibility.’ Therefore, the first thing I must do is to set an example in adhering to the Party’s guidelines and the State’s policies and laws, and to be a pioneer in all local activities.”

"Alongside that, we must cultivate good morals, a serious and enthusiastic work ethic. Only when we set a good example will we have enough credibility to persuade people to follow suit," Mr. Nga shared.

Whether it was a big or small matter, whenever the local government assigned a task to the village, Mr. Nga always handled it with the utmost responsibility. He recalled that the coastal youth road in the 2000s was still a narrow, deserted dirt road.

Mr. Nga cherishes the books written about President Ho Chi Minh. Photo: QL

A few years later, the road was upgraded to a gravel surface, but every year they had to patch up potholes countless times. When the government decided to invest in paving the road with asphalt, his family was one of the pioneering households to donate land.

Then Mr. Nga went to each house, explaining to the people the long-term benefits of opening the road. From easy to difficult cases, Mr. Nga successfully persuaded them all. The youth road was widened and paved with asphalt a few years later, bringing joy to the local people.

Another "difficulty" that Tam Thanh once faced was the issue of the marine environment and within residential areas. Mr. Nga once stated at a commune meeting that environmental protection is not difficult, and may not even cost money; it only requires each citizen to raise their awareness, maintain environmental hygiene, and not litter indiscriminately. Cadres and Party members should set an example for the people to follow...

Mr. Nga's ideas were supported by the government and the people. Immediately after the conference, commune and village officials launched clean-up campaigns to improve environmental sanitation, followed by the local people. Gradually, a cultured way of life was formed among the people of this coastal commune.

"As the village head, I always prioritize the interests of the people in everything I do, and I'm always willing to listen and accept good ideas. For example, in building new rural areas, I educate the people about the benefits they will receive."

"When disputes arise in the village, we must persistently work with the community and mediate reasonably so that both sides can understand and empathize with each other… Only when the people agree can everything be resolved," Mr. Nga said.

Dedicated and responsible, Mr. Nga's reputation in the village has steadily grown. Even after 2019, although he no longer held the position of village head, many people in Tam Thanh still affectionately call him "Mr. Nga, the Village Head."

Responsibility to the community

Over the years, Mr. Nga has volunteered to be the caretaker at the Tam Thanh Commune Martyrs' Cemetery. There were times when the local budget was limited and could not allocate funds to support the caretaker, but he remained dedicated to this work.

The villagers meticulously tend to and care for each soldier's grave. Photo: QL

The trees in the cemetery grounds are growing greener and healthier, and the graves are meticulously cared for and maintained… For him, the greatest happiness is the satisfied look on the faces of the relatives when they come to pay their respects to the fallen soldiers.

“During the day I work at the shrimp farm, and in the evenings, early mornings, or during my free time I go to the cemetery to work. Many people wonder why I still do this unpaid work… But I just think, generations of our ancestors have shed blood and bones for the independence and freedom of the nation, and today I only have to sweat a little pulling weeds and tending to the trees, which is nothing compared to that,” Mr. Nga shared.

Listening to Mr. Nga outline his daily work schedule, I found it almost completely packed. Early in the morning and late in the evening, he also takes on the role of Head of the Tam Thanh Beach Management Board.

In every role he has played, Mr. Nga has always been responsible and exemplary. He said that he arrives at the beach at 4 a.m. in the morning and at 3 p.m. in the afternoon. The management force must be present before people start swimming, because human lives cannot be learned from experience.

Mr. Nga took on the role of cemetery caretaker, even without financial support. Photo: QL

His responsibilities included overall security and safety at the beach. Mr. Nga regularly reminded beachgoers about weather conditions and designated areas for swimming and recreation; he also guided vendors to maintain order and discipline. In his free time, he would pick up trash on the beach. On several occasions, he braved rough seas and strong winds to rescue people in distress.

“I will never forget the milestone of November 19, 2021. That day, the sea was rough, and a girl was swimming when she was swept away by the waves. At that moment, I didn't hesitate; I rushed into the sea with the rescue team to bring the person in distress back to shore. From this incident, I feel even more responsible for issuing warnings and reminders to prevent similar incidents from happening,” Mr. Nga said.

The entry in the Journalism Contest spreads positive energy for the aspirations of Quang Nam.

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