A new vitality in Chang Lo

Chang Lo Village in Thang Mo Commune was once among the most disadvantaged areas along the border. Local life revolved around maize fields clinging to rocky slopes, with a single annual crop entirely dependent on the weather. More than a decade ago, poor transportation, a shortage of clean water, and a lack of community facilities left the village’s 125 households from the H’mong, Pu Peo, Han, Co Lao, and Giay ethnic groups struggling daily.

The newly built Chang Lo village cultural house provides people with a spacious community venue.

Recalling those difficult years, village leader Giang Mi Chu shared that transporting fertilizer or taking a sick person to the commune was extremely arduous. Most residents relied solely on traditional farming practices and had little awareness of producing goods for sale; “having enough to eat was considered fortunate,” he said.

In response, Thang Mo authorities implemented multiple support measures, effectively integrating resources from the National Target Programme on socio-economic development in ethnic minority and mountainous areas. The commune identified agricultural commercialization as a breakthrough direction, working with agricultural extension officers to organize on-site training sessions that equipped villagers with new techniques and gradually shifted their production mindset.

Funding from the National Target Programme has brought significant changes to Chang Lo. Notably, projects supporting commercial poultry farming and breeding cows, with a total investment of more than VND2.3 billion have provided livestock to 136 households, creating opportunities for sustainable poverty reduction.

Alongside economic support, rural infrastructure has also been upgraded. Between 2021 and 2025, the village received investment for 2.5 km of rural roads worth VND2.7 billion; a newly built cultural house costing over VND370 million; repairs to the water supply system valued at more than VND330 million; and the construction of two sturdy houses for poor families. These projects have improved living conditions and strengthened community cohesion.

Today, Chang Lo’s transformation is increasingly visible. The poverty rate has been reduced by more than 5% annually, and residents actively participate in local movements promoting cultural life and environmental sanitation. From a once-impoverished village, Chang Lo is steadily rising, united in building a more prosperous and vibrant community.

Ly Thu