Born and raised in President Ho Chi Minh’s hometown, Tran That Cong of Kim Lien commune, Nam Dan district, Nghe An province, has always set an example for others with his moral lifestyle and active social work. Acknowledging the slow pace of rural development, he and other local elders decided to encourage other people to support the national new rural development program as much as possible. Thanks to their efforts, 2014 saw positive changes in Kim Lien’s infrastructure. Tran That Cong told VOV: "Actions speak louder than words. We elderly always take the lead in campaigns and movements and encourage other people to follow. For example, my family always comes first in contributing money to a program, although we are not rich. Other people can donate land for roads if they don’t have cash. It’s much easier for local people to get around on new big paved roads."

Photo: nongthonmoi.daknong.gov.vn

Elderly Phan At of Tinh Tra commune, Son Tinh district, Quang Ngai province, donated 2000 square meters of his farm land for community houses roads. He said it’s important that everyone joins hands to make the national new rural development program a success: "My family donated land to build schools and cultural houses for the public. We are glad we can contribute something to national construction and development. The new paved roads have helped reduce traffic accidents. That was a good deed we could do."

Cu Thi Hau, President of Vietnam’s Elderly Association, said: "We’ll try to improve the association’s activities to take better care of the elderly and encourage them to use their influence in the community, especially in new rural development. We plan to launch an action month for the elderly when they will be given free eye care and check-ups."