Happiness for every family

In response to the International Day of Happiness (March 20) under the theme “Happiness for every family,” Dong Nai’s localities have rolled out a wide range of practical activities to spread messages of love, connection, and sustainable development.

A family in Long Khanh ward enjoys a walk together. Photo: Lo Van Hop

From efforts to build exemplary cultural families to community-focused activities, the value of happiness is being fostered through the simple, familiar things of everyday life.

Happiness from love and sharing

In Dong Nai, building happy families over the years has not merely remained a slogan, but has become a concrete action taken by every individual and every household. The family of Tran Thanh Thoang and Nguyen Kieu Giang (Long Tan 7 hamlet, Long Ha commune, Dong Nai province) is one notable example. Although both hold university degrees and had stable jobs, they chose to return to their hometown to build their livelihood, proactively shifting from rubber cultivation to growing golden star apples, durians, and green-skinned pomelos, and gradually securing a stable income. Notably, they also worked with other households to establish the Long Tan Fruit Cooperative.

For Thoang and Giang, the secret to maintaining happiness is love and sharing. Family members must live in harmony and respect one another; parents and grandparents must set good examples for children. Beyond economic success, they actively engage in social activities, from contributing to road repairs to giving gifts to disadvantaged people, and nurture compassion in their children, Gia An and Quoc Toan, through small but meaningful acts such as saving money in piggy banks to help those in need.

In recognition of their efforts and achievements, the family was selected by the Central Committee of the Vietnam Youth Federation as one of 22 exemplary young families in 2020. In 2025, Nguyen Kieu Giang was also one of two outstanding individuals from Long Ha commune to attend the Dong Nai Provincial Patriotic Emulation Congress.

Phung Phu Hien and Pham Sat Mui (Xuan Dong commune) with their children and grandchildren. Photo: My Ny

The family of Phung Phu Hien and Pham Sat Mui, from Xuan Dong commune, has long been regarded as a shining model of strong intergenerational bonds. Not only do they nurture a harmonious home, but they also devote great effort to community activities. Each year, the family allocates part of their restaurant business income to support disadvantaged individuals within and beyond the local community. They also frequently provide interest-free loans to help families develop their livelihoods and support students from poor and ethnic minority backgrounds to continue their education.

Hien shared, “Sharing not only helps others overcome difficulties but also brings joy and warmth to each member of the family. It is a value we consistently instill in our children and grandchildren, encouraging them to live responsibly, to love others, and contribute positively to the community.”

Meanwhile, the family of Le Van Trung, Secretary of the Party Cell and Head of Phu Lam hamlet (Phu Trung commune), emphasizes that happiness stems from dedication to the community. As a role-model cadre who “walks the talk,” Trung and his family are actively involved in local associations, organizations, and cultural and artistic movements. The unity of his entire family has built strong trust and become a driving force for each household and the wider community in Phu Lam hamlet to unite and successfully accomplish their assigned tasks.

Spreading the message of happiness

Beyond exemplary families, the spirit of the International Day of Happiness (March 20) this year is being brought to life across localities in Dong Nai through a wide range of vibrant activities. At the commune and ward levels, communication efforts have been coordinated, focusing on raising awareness of the role and importance of family happiness as a foundation for the sustainable development of the community and society.

Alongside banners and slogans displayed in central areas and at hamlet and commune cultural houses, Xuan Loc commune has also stepped up the use of digital platforms such as Zalo, Facebook, and official websites to spread humanistic values and happiness throughout the community. Notably, the locality has linked activities in response to the International Day of Happiness with the implementation of the “All People Unite to Build a Cultural Life” movement, incorporating them into sustainable family club activities and making messages on gender equality and violence prevention more relatable.

According to Tran Hung, Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee of Trang Dai ward, March 20 serves as an opportunity for communities to reflect on and promote traditional values such as filial piety and loyalty. The management boards of the ward's 14 neighborhoods have strengthened communication through neighborhood committees and public broadcasting systems, highlighting positive role models while condemning domestic violence. Individuals, organizations, and communities are encouraged to undertake meaningful actions that bring happiness to families and society.

In connection with the International Day of Happiness (March 20), the Dong Nai cultural sector is implementing the 2026 Building Cultural Lifestyle and Family Program. These activities aim to enhance public awareness of the role of family happiness as the foundation of a happy society, while promoting each individual and family as a “nucleus” in preserving and spreading the province's cultural and human values, creating vital momentum for comprehensive and sustainable development.

With the theme “Happiness for everyone,” the International Day of Happiness 2026 (March 20) continues to be implemented from the province to the grassroots levels. Priority is given to charitable activities supporting individuals, families, remote areas, and ethnic minority communities, with a focus on love and sharing. At the same time, exemplary families and positive role models are recognized and replicated across the community.

By My Ny – Translated by Minh Hong, Minho