Village chief's drive transforms remote Vietnamese community

In the mountainous region of Nghe An province, Vietnam, the village of O O Gia Hop is undergoing a transformation, largely thanks to the dynamic leadership of its female chief, Luong Thi Thao. Once a remote area grappling with infrastructure challenges and a reliance on external aid, the village is now a beacon of self-sufficiency and community spirit.

Thao, who also serves as the local Party Secretary, recognized early on that waiting for government investment would not suffice for rapid development. "Far from the district center, infrastructure is difficult, and a portion of the people still heavily relied on waiting for state support," she shared. "So, when I was assigned to be the Party Secretary and village chief, I decided we had to start a 'revolution' from these weaknesses."

Her first priority was improving transportation. Thao organized village meetings to discuss road construction plans, gaining the community's support. By coordinating with the local government for cement and appealing to a nearby quarry owner for stone, she mobilized villagers to contribute funds, materials, and labor. This "state and people work together" approach, implemented incrementally, has resulted in five newly paved roads connecting residential areas.

Beyond roads, Thao has spearheaded other community projects. A small football field was created with modest contributions from each household, providing a space for recreation. The village's community house, once dilapidated, has been renovated through a combination of local donations and support from a military unit. These seemingly small, consecutive efforts have collectively brought about significant positive changes, fostering a sense of pride and collective achievement among the villagers.

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Far from the district center, infrastructure is difficult, and a portion of the people still heavily relied on waiting for state support. So, when I was assigned to be the Party Secretary and village chief, I decided we had to start a 'revolution' from these weaknesses.