Village patriarch works to help improve people’s lives in Kon Tum province
(VOVWORLD) - The Ro Mam ethnic group has a population of nearly 500, living mainly in the border commune of Mo Rai in the Central Highlands province of Kon Tum. Village patriarch A Blong is a role model in the movement to develop the local economy and encourage local people to get rid of backward customs, preserve traditional cultural features, and protect Vietnam’s borders.
 Village patriarch A Blong talks to a VOV reporter. (Photo: VOV) |
A Blong was born in 1955. He joined the resistance war against the US invaders when he was young. After national reunification in 1975, he worked as a teacher in the border area of Mo Rai in Kon Tum province. A Blong always nurtures a dream to help local people escape poverty.
He has promoted the education of the village children and encouraged local people to abandon backward customs and preserve their traditional culture. Mr. A Yer, Vice Chairman of Mo Rai commune, said, “A Blong is a role model and encourages other people to follow Party and State policies. He is also a vanguard in developing husbandry and growing crops like rubber and cashews.”
Thanks to A Blong’s influence, child marriages are disappearing while traditional embroidery and festivals are making a comeback. The Ro Mam have preserved 34 sets of gongs for performing on festive occasions. Mr. A Thai of Le village, said, “A Blong is highly respected in our village. He has a good family life and is very helpful to others”.
 With his prestige, village patriarch A Blong helps improve local people’s lives. (Photo: VOV) |
A Blong encourages local people to grow wet rice and rubber and do husbandry to develop the economy in the border area. At the age of 65, he is still very active in social activities.
“My wish is to help local people escape poverty and have a better life, which is in line with the Party and State policies and guidelines,” he said.
Village patriarch A Blong represented Kon Tum province at the second National Congress of Vietnamese Ethnic Minorities in Hanoi late last year.