Youth volunteers power community impact in Điện Biên

ĐBP - Harnessing their spirit of initiative and service, young people are increasingly asserting their vital role in socio-economic development and social welfare across Điện Biên province. Through practical, grassroots-focused activities, especially in remote, mountainous and ethnic minority areas, youth union members have left a clear and lasting mark.

In recent years, youth organizations at all levels have rolled out a wide range of volunteer programs and campaigns, attracting strong participation from young people. Notable initiatives include “Winter volunteer,” “Spring volunteer,” “Youth month,” and the summer youth volunteer campaign. These programs are widely implemented, closely aligned with local needs, and focused on disadvantaged communities.

During peak campaigns, more than VND 5 billion has been mobilized to support policy beneficiary families, poor households, and those in difficult circumstances. These meaningful contributions reflect a strong sense of responsibility and solidarity among young people, helping families overcome hardship and stabilize their lives.

Alongside social welfare efforts, youth union members are actively contributing to new rural development through concrete projects and initiatives. The provincial Youth Union has directed a “Peak day for volunteering in building new rural areas” with 100% of grassroots units participating. Across the province, 256 youth-led projects have been completed, including the construction of three rural bridges, installation of lighting for over 20km of roads, and repairs to 110km of transport routes. More than 250 activities have supported new rural development, helping two villages meet official criteria. In addition, young people have planted 285,000 trees, contributing to environmental protection and greener, cleaner landscapes.

Efforts to promote civic awareness, cultural values, and public order have also been strengthened. The province maintains 124 volunteer youth teams, with more than 10,000 participants working toward building civilized urban areas and raising awareness about cultural behavior and heritage preservation. To improve road safety, 176 “Safe school gate” models have been sustained, alongside over 130 awareness campaigns involving more than 12,000 participants. Volunteer teams are also deployed to guide and manage traffic at key intersections and crowded areas, particularly during festivals, helping reduce safety risks.

In disaster response, youth organizations have proactively mobilized social resources to support affected communities. Notably, more than VND 2.4 billion was raised to assist residents impacted by floods in Xa Dung, Na Son, and Tìa Dình communes, helping them stabilize their lives and restore production.

Amid digital transformation, youth volunteer activities in Điện Biên are becoming more flexible and effective. All 45 commune- and ward-level youth organizations have launched initiatives supporting the two-tier local government model and online public services, forming 75 volunteer teams with over 360 members. These teams assist at one stop administrative service centers, support officials with technical tasks, and guide residents, especially the elderly and ethnic minorities, in accessing online public services quickly and conveniently. They also help update party member data and facilitate ID renewals.

Lò Xuân Hạnh, Deputy Secretary of the Điện Biên provincial Youth Union, emphasized: “With their dynamism, responsibility, and energy, young people are a core force at the forefront of addressing social challenges, particularly in remote and ethnic minority areas. Through volunteer work, they not only contribute meaningfully to the community but also grow, gaining a stronger sense of social responsibility.” He added that recent volunteer movements have delivered tangible results, contributing to socio-economic development, ensuring social welfare, and promoting a positive image of Điện Biên’s youth. In the coming time, volunteer activities will be further oriented toward sustainability, depth, and alignment with local needs, while expanding digital transformation and participation opportunities, especially for rural and ethnic minority youth.

Through these practical and meaningful efforts, young people in Điện Biên are steadily affirming their role and responsibility to the community, contributing to the province’s development. The spirit of “wherever needed, youth will be there; whatever is difficult, youth will take on” continues to spread, serving as a powerful motivation for the younger generation to contribute, grow, and make a positive impact on society.