In 1974, 17-year-old Ta Xuan Hinh joined the army and worked as a driver in the Tay Nguyen army corps. In 1982, he returned from the army services, married and had five children. Unfortunately, the first baby died after two months. The next two children suffered from epilepsy and myasthenia, and the other two children’s brains did not develop as normally as their friends of the same age.
“At that time, we kept worrying why our children did not develop healthily like other children although we are in good health,” Mr Hinh said. “Later, with more health information, I went for a medical check-up and was informed that I was infected with Agent Orange.”
During the resistance war against US imperialists, many young men in Tam Dong commune joined the army and returned home to build the country. Like unlucky Hinh, many men did not have the chance to enjoy a life full of happiness. Disabled children were born bringing depression to their families. For some time, they felt that they could not overcome the panic.
Then Hinh was elected president of the Tam Dong commune Farmer’s Union. Veteran Hinh tossed and turned at night wondering how to help member families escape from poverty.
Hinh realized that making rattan fibreboard – a traditional craft in his village – no longer suited the development of the market economy. Rattan fibreboard products did not sell well in the market and many households in his village gave up the craft. Therefore, Hinh decided to make new products from rattan and bamboo such as flower baskets and fruits baskets. Hinh experimented making the products at his home and realized that making rattan products is suitable for all ages and brings high profits. Hinh then asked his neighbours to join his business.
“Our traditional craft is weaving,” Mr Hinh said. “With the development of the market economy, we villagers have sought out new ways to earn a living. Though we suffered great losses at the beginning, our efforts have paid off. To date, my business of rattan weaving can generate stable jobs for local people. Moreover, we also provide training for around 500 workers in the province and in Quang Ninh and Hai Phong as well.”
Thanks to rattan weaving, the life of people in Nam Cuong village has been changed for the better. Many houses can afford TV sets, fridges, motorbikes and a good education for their children.
Luu Thi Thuy, one of first apprentices, said the craft is not very hard and can bring her a stable wage. She earns around VND1 million (US$62.5) a month.
Another apprentice, 25-year-old Nguyen Van Son from Vinh Phuc province, said he had his one leg amputated because of disease. After becoming involved in rattan weaving, he worked hard to succeed in the job.
To expand production, Hinh decided to officially set up a private business named “Prosperity”. Since the opening of the business, his disabled daughter Ta Thi Toan seemed to enjoy life more. She has become more active and talkative, as there are many apprentices at her house. Though her hands are handicapped, she has coped with rattan weaving. Now, Toan is not only a skillful worker but also an enthusiastic teacher. Toan said she wants to teach rattan weaving to disabled people so that they can earn a living with the craft.
Now in Tam Dong commune, rattan weaving has brought high profits for local people. Every body in the commune feels thankful to soldier Hinh for his courage in bringing this new craft to the village.
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