In Vietnam’s fight against poverty, the story of voluntary applications to exit poverty lists in Mường Lát District, Thanh Hóa Province stands out as a remarkable achievement. This is not only evidence of the community’s resilience but also reflects their strong aspiration to rise above challenges in one of the nation’s poorest regions.
Mr. Tặng Văn Sinh (36), a resident of Suối Tút Village in Quang Chiểu Commune, is among more than 100 households in Mường Lát District who have voluntarily applied to leave the poverty list. This action marks a significant turning point in the battle against poverty in this border region.
From Poverty to Stability
Before 2010, Mr. Sinh’s family of eight relied solely on a few hectares of cassava and corn for survival. Their difficult circumstances kept them classified as a poor household. However, starting in 2013, Mr. Sinh took the initiative to learn and adopt a combined farming model of growing Laotian oranges and raising cattle. Meanwhile, his wife worked as a laborer in Đắk Lắk.
Their joint efforts across the country helped the family achieve an annual income of nearly 200 million Vietnamese đồng. By 2024, with stable finances, Mr. Sinh decided to apply for removal from the poverty list.
“I’m still young and healthy, earning an income while clinging to the label of ‘sustainable poverty’ feels shameful. I must set an example for my siblings and fellow villagers,” Mr. Sinh shared.
Though no longer eligible for government support, Mr. Sinh feels proud to give others in greater need a chance. He has also encouraged eight other families in his village to commit to escaping poverty.
Positive Outcomes at the Local Level
Mr. Vi Văn Thứ, Vice Chairman of Quang Chiểu Commune People’s Committee, noted that locals once heavily relied on state assistance. However, thanks to awareness campaigns and guidance from local officials, many households have boldly taken loans to develop their economies.
Today, Quang Chiểu Commune boasts 10 hectares of Laotian orange plantations, over 300 residents working elsewhere, and a poverty rate reduced to 13.66%. Average per capita income has reached 42 million Vietnamese đồng annually. Mr. Thứ emphasized that voluntary poverty exit is not just paperwork but a tangible reality.
“When people know how to manage their finances and earn income, they are no longer afraid of poverty; they confidently cross the ‘threshold’ and submit applications to exit poverty,” Mr. Thứ said.
According to Mường Lát District’s Department of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs, since 2023, over 100 applications to leave the poverty list have been submitted, primarily from Quang Chiểu and Mường Chanh communes. This represents a milestone in the poverty eradication revolution in this border area.
New Directions for Economic Growth
Mr. Trương Văn Bình, Head of Mường Lát District’s Department of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs, stated that the district’s poverty rate has continuously decreased, reaching 25.85% by 2024. In early 2025, Mường Lát achieved its first “New Rural” commune.
Mr. Triệu Minh Xiết, Permanent Deputy Secretary of Mường Lát District Party Committee, stressed the importance of “eradicating poverty through mindset change” to reduce economic hardship. “Many households with improved finances have voluntarily applied to exit poverty or near-poverty status,” Mr. Xiết remarked.
The voluntary decision to exit poverty not only supports local authorities in promoting socio-economic development initiatives but also serves as proof of changing mindsets, thinking, and aspirations within the community.
To ensure sustainable poverty alleviation, local plans will focus on vocational training and job creation for workers. 2024 marked a historic milestone when, for the first time in nearly 30 years since its establishment, Mường Lát District did not require emergency rice aid during lean seasons.
Conclusion
These extraordinary applications symbolize not just resilience but also serve as a powerful source of inspiration for communities. The people of Mường Lát have proven that with self-reliance and determination, any challenge can be overcome. Stay tuned for more meaningful stories like these to spread positivity throughout society!
Reference:
Dantri.com.vn
