Đọc tiếng Việt tại đây.
Ms. Xien's story is one of quiet transformation and steadfast commitment within her community in Khi hamlet, An Nghia commune—a quaint village nestled among serene hills, characterized by stilt houses and modern tiled homes. In 2019, Ms. Xien began her involvement in a local project aimed at community development, where she became known for her dedication to reaching out to every household. Her approach was methodical: she began by engaging families on matters of economics, employment, and health before delicately broaching more sensitive family issues.
Initially, her presence was met with resistance. Yet, as community members observed her genuine intentions and absence of ulterior motives, their trust in her grew profoundly. "At first, they were wary, but once they saw my sincere approach, they came to greatly appreciate it. That has brought me immense joy," Ms. Xien reflects.
Renowned for her image as "The one who knocks on every door," Ms. Xien's efforts have laid a solid foundation for the project, fostering a strong connection with the community. As a reserved and humble woman from an ethnic minority, the trust and affection of the villagers empowered her to lead village forums and embrace her role in the project. Her initial indifference to legal and gender equality topics transformed into a passionate advocacy as she realized the critical nature of these issues in addressing domestic violence and child marriage within her community.
She says, "In the past, I would switch the channel when news about legal rights or gender equality came on. It was only after getting involved in the project that we all started to understand how vital this knowledge is. It has opened our eyes to the challenges within our village."
With a focus on sustainable development, the project has established core community groups, consisting of local members like Ms. Xien and her colleagues, Mr. Tiem, Ms. Luyen, Ms. Hanh, Ms. Binh, and others. These individuals are dedicated to long-term solutions for their community, working on enhancing knowledge and skills to ensure the autonomy and proactive engagement of group members in future initiatives.
Community forums, though sometimes contentious, have proven to be valuable platforms for discussion, fostering mutual respect and unity among participants. Ms. Xien's personal life harmoniously intertwines with her work; she describes her days of working in the fields and managing project meetings as invigorating as playing sports. "It's during these times—whether working on the farm, climbing the mountains, or discussing the project—that I feel most connected to my community," she states.
As she continues her efforts, traversing the small paths that weave through the hills, Ms. Xien remains a pivotal figure in her village. Far from seeing her role as a burden, she views each challenge as an opportunity to effect meaningful change, considering the community's progress her greatest reward.