People in Chieng Mai commune (Mai Son district, Son La province) are stepping up the implementation of criteria in building new rural areas. Photo: Mai Chi

From the Party's correct policies and guidelines, the movement quickly entered life with specific, practical tasks, especially in a mountainous province with many difficulties like Son La. In highland communes and ethnic minority areas, the program not only contributed to improving infrastructure and increasing income but also fostered a spirit of solidarity and a sense of responsibility for the community.

According to Ms. Giang Thi Huong, Vice Chairwoman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Son La province, from the beginning, the Front at all levels determined that the campaign must be implemented in accordance with local conditions, placing the interests of the people at the center. From there, many specific models and methods were selected, both close to the people and relying on the people's strength to implement. The synchronous participation of the entire political system from the province to the grassroots level has created a vibrant competitive atmosphere among the people. Political and social organizations responded with many practical movements such as the Youth Union with "Youth join hands to build new rural areas"; the Farmers' Association with "Farmers compete in good production and business"; the Veterans' Association with the "Exemplary Veterans" movement; the Women's Association with the activities "5 no, 3 clean", supporting members to escape poverty and start a business. Many projects and tasks directly related to people's lives have been implemented from socialized resources. During the 2021-2024 period, people across the province voluntarily contributed nearly 303 billion VND, donated more than 550,700m² of land and over 234,800 working days to build civil works such as roads, cultural houses, irrigation works, schools, etc.

In Mai Son district, 100% of villages, hamlets and sub-areas have registered to implement the campaign, with specific criteria so that people can clearly see the benefits and actively participate. According to Mr. Nguyen Van Vinh - Chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Mai Son district, many households have donated hundreds of square meters of land, many volunteers have contributed to completing common works, creating sustainable collective strength. Thanks to that, up to now, the district has 9 communes meeting new rural standards, 22 villages and sub-areas meeting new rural standards and model new rural areas. Not only Mai Son, many other localities in the province have also gradually improved. The whole province currently has 74 communes meeting new rural standards, 11 communes meeting advanced new rural standards, Son La city has completed the task of building new rural areas and Quynh Nhai district has basically met the standards of the new rural district criteria.

Notably, the role of women in the journey of building new rural areas in Son La is clearly demonstrated. In the period of 2019-2024, the women's union at all levels has built 747 economic development models, helping 1,643 women's households escape poverty, and supporting 846 women to start businesses. More than 2,400 households have met the criteria of "5 no, 3 clean", contributing to building a green - clean - beautiful - safe living environment. Ms. Quang Thi Van, Permanent Vice President of the Women's Union of Son La province, said that the women's union at all levels has grouped households according to economic conditions to propagate and provide appropriate support. Each union has registered for practical tasks such as digging garbage pits, renovating houses, planting flowers along the roadside... Although small, they are practical and closely linked to people's lives.

Not only does the campaign develop infrastructure, it also contributes significantly to raising community awareness of cultural life, preserving national identity, protecting the environment and ensuring rural security. Many localities have established conventions, village covenants, organized community activities, competitions, and Great Solidarity Days to strengthen village relationships, spread the spirit of solidarity and social responsibility. To improve effectiveness, the Fatherland Front at all levels has constantly innovated the content and methods of operation, developed and expanded self-management models in residential areas such as "Environmental Protection Self-Management Group", "Women's Association of 5 Nos, 3 Cleans", "People's Group with no drug crimes", "Village with no third or more children"... At the same time, social supervision and criticism have been focused on, creating conditions for people to participate, enjoy and inspect local activities. Thereby, the role of the Front Work Committee and prestigious people in the community is increasingly promoted, becoming the core force connecting the Party Committee, government and people.

The results achieved in the implementation of the campaign "All people unite to build new rural areas and civilized urban areas" in Son La are vivid evidence of the spirit of great national solidarity, affirming the endogenous strength of each community. The persistent companionship of the Fatherland Front at all levels is a solid bridge between the Party's will and the people's hearts, creating a foundation for the campaign to continue to spread widely, contributing to building a new rural area and civilized urban area that is increasingly sustainable, humane and imbued with national cultural identity.