VietNamNet Bridge – It was early 2003. Truong Van Kiem was returning home after visiting his son’s in-laws when he saw a young man chase a woman with a knife.

Checking the wood used to build free houses for the needy is one of Truong Van Kiem’s daily activities. – Photo saostar.vn

Appalled, he stopped his motorbike and intervened. He found that the woman was the man’s mother.

Talking with them, Kiem learnt that the root of the problem was that their house had been damaged for a long time but they did not have any money to repair it. The young man, a drunkard, wanted his father to cut down some trees in their garden to build a new house, but his father refused to do so. Infuriated, the inebriated son threatened to assault his parents.

Feeling sorry for the old couple, Kiem decided to build a new house for them, starting off the charity work that has continued to this day.

Over the last 14 years, Kiem has helped hundreds of poor households get safe, durable homes.

As a farmer, Kiem, 64, a native of Tan Loc Island in Can Tho City’s Tan Loc Ward, had no knowledge of carpentry, a key task in building cheap houses. He asked a good carpenter and close friend, Le Van Muoi, 66, for help.

Moved by Kiem’s kindness, Muoi decided to stop his business and set up a workshop in Kiem’s house to chisel wood for building houses for free to help really poor people.

To ensure the quality of wood, Kiem bought xa cu (Khaya senegalensis) timber from local residents. He soaked the logs in water for about 3 years before using them. This seasoning helps wooden houses to stand for 25-30 years.

Kiem has spent all his savings on the charity work and also asked his children to contribute money to buy more materials.

Word of his actions spread and attracted the support of many who knew him.

Some local residents, like Nguyen Van Thang, 68, and Le Hong Tuan, 58 also joined Kiem, volunteering to cut wood and help build houses.

"Normally only four of us do this job. However, when it is necessary, I can mobilise a few dozen, or even a hundred people to join me,” Kiem told saostar.vn.

“Those who do not take part in the job, contribute bottles of fish sauce or packages of instant noodles. Thanks to their support, we have been able to build more houses."

Nearly 300 houses have been built by Kiem and his peers over the past fourteen years. On average, they build about 20 houses a year.

They have not only built houses for the poor in Can Tho City, but also for those in other provinces like Vinh Long, Dong Thap, Hau Giang and Kien Giang.

Kiem said that the houses are simple, but they give great joy to families living in dilapidated homes. His charity work has earned him many unforgettable memories.

"After we finished building a house for a poor family, they knelt down and said we are the living Buddha. We did not want them to do that. They said they were they doing so because no words could express their joy and gratitude. It is one of the most touching memories we have,” he said.

Another notable memory is the case of Nguyen Van Da’s family who live in Can Tho City’s Thot Not Ward.

In 2005, he visited Da’s family after getting some information about his situation. He found five households living in a 10sq.m houses that was regularly inundated during the flooding season.

Kiem decided to build five houses for Da and his four children, providing them comfortable, safe spaces to live without fear of their homes being flooded.

Le Van Huan, Vice Chairman of the Tan Loc People’s Committee, said that Kien and his friends have gained enormous trust and gratitude of the people.  

Those who used to live in extremely rundown houses are immeasurably grateful for being able to live in safe, durable homes.

Nguyen Ba Hung, a local carpenter, said: “Every time we finish a house, I feel proud of what we’ve done. I wish that I have more strength to do more such meaningful work.” 

VNS