Village Heads in Action: Young People Take on Rural Responsibilities

In the highland villages of Da Nang, Vietnam, young university graduates are choosing to return to their roots, taking on roles as village heads and quietly crafting inspiring stories of a dedicated new generation of grassroots officials. These young leaders are committed to their communities, working tirelessly to serve their villages.

Early in the morning in Ngoc Tu village, Trà Tân commune, Hồ Thị Phương Loan, the 32-year-old head of the village and a member of the Ca Dong ethnic group, begins her day. With a familiar backpack and a notebook, she visits residents, inquiring about their cinnamon harvests, cassava crops, outstanding paperwork, and any new challenges they face. "I didn't run for this position for a title, but as an opportunity to learn, grow, and use my knowledge to serve the people," Loan explained.

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I didn't run for this position for a title, but as an opportunity to learn, grow, and use my knowledge to serve the people.

After graduating with a degree in Social Work from Quy Nhon University in 2018, Loan returned to her hometown to work at the People's Committee of Trà Giác commune (now Trà Tân). Her experience in youth union activities provided her with a deep understanding of the local community and its people. When the previous village head reached retirement age, the young graduate took on the significant responsibility of leading Ngoc Tu, a village with over 320 households.

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My parents raised me and sent me to school from the land we own. I always think, if all the young people leave, who will return to contribute to our homeland?

"My parents raised me and sent me to school from the land we own. I always think, if all the young people leave, who will return to contribute to our homeland?" she shared. In Trà Tân, the village head's duties extend beyond organizing village meetings. They are the first responders to conflicts, assist poor households with documentation, encourage land donations for road construction, and implement digital transformation initiatives. Loan often juggles calls from residents needing document verification with site visits to inspect damage after rain, ensuring she is available whenever needed.

"As a local, I understand our customs and traditions. But understanding is not enough. To do well, I must go to every alley, knock on every door, and listen more," she emphasized. Her notebooks are filled with crucial data: lists of poor and near-poor households, individuals needing support, elderly residents living alone, families lacking production capital, and those returning from working away. Loan's primary goal is to improve residents' access to production support policies. She actively identifies households participating in economic models and discusses ways to enhance the value of existing crops like cinnamon, acacia, and cassava, while exploring new models with stable market demand.

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As a local, I understand our customs and traditions. But understanding is not enough. To do well, I must go to every alley, knock on every door, and listen more.