Within the framework of his working trip to Lang Son, Minister Nguyen Dinh Khang led a delegation from the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs to visit economic development models, present gifts to reputable community figures and disadvantaged ethnic minority households in Chien Thang Commune, deliver support to Hong Thai Primary and Secondary School in Hoang Van Thu Commune, and survey several religious and belief establishments in the province.

The delegation included leaders of several ministry departments and agencies. Representing Lang Son Province were Tran Thanh Nhan, Vice Chairwoman of the provincial People's Committee, and leaders of provincial departments and agencies.

At Chien Thang Commune, the minister visited economic development models in Na Ha Village, including a commercial goat farming model that has become a local example of income generation.

Chien Thang is a particularly disadvantaged Zone III commune established through the merger of four former communes - Chien Thang, Van An, Van Thuy and Lien Son. The commune comprises 26 villages with 2,515 households and more than 11,600 residents. The Tay and Nung ethnic groups account for 99.75% of the population.

The area continues to face significant challenges, with poor and near-poor households accounting for more than 20% of the population. Economic activity remains largely dependent on small-scale agriculture and forestry.

Following the implementation of the two-tier local government model, the commune has continued to carry out national target programs according to schedule. Local authorities have also actively introduced new production models with higher economic potential and encouraged residents to shift toward crops and livestock that generate greater value.

These efforts have contributed to reducing poverty, improving living standards and supporting socio-economic development.

During the visit, the minister presented 122 gift packages to poor households and 156 gifts to respected community figures. He also met with residents, encouraging ethnic minority families and local role models to continue working toward prosperous and happy lives.

Earlier the same day, Nguyen Dinh Khang visited Hong Thai Primary and Secondary School, which was built with funding from the National Target Program for Socio-Economic Development in Ethnic Minority and Mountainous Areas for the 2021-2025 period.

The minister presented the school with a donation worth VND50 million (USD1,920) and extended his encouragement to teachers and students.

After receiving a report on the school's facilities and operations, he urged the teaching staff and students to overcome challenges and continue striving for excellence in teaching and learning.

He also called on local authorities and Lang Son Province to continue prioritizing education, job creation and human resource development in ethnic minority and mountainous areas.

As part of the trip, the minister and his delegation visited Tan Thanh Pagoda in Hoang Van Thu Commune. Featuring traditional Vietnamese architecture and northern cultural characteristics, the pagoda serves not only as a place of Buddhist worship but also as a cultural and spiritual landmark near the border.

Its presence symbolizes Vietnamese cultural identity while conveying messages of compassion, friendship and cooperation with the international community.

The delegation also offered incense and flowers at the Hoang Van Thu Memorial Site in Hoang Van Thu Commune.

In a solemn ceremony, ministry officials paid tribute to Hoang Van Thu, an outstanding son of the Tay ethnic group, a steadfast communist revolutionary and one of the pioneering leaders of the Communist Party and Vietnam's revolutionary movement.

Thanh Huyen - Xuan Minh