Living a meaningful life through simple gestures

Program 7 on Promoting role models of good people,  good deeds and advanced exemplars (hereinafter referred to as Program 7) has been running in Dong Nai for 25 years. Over time, it has become part of everyday life, inspiring simple acts of kindness and meaningful gestures, and has grown into a lasting source of warmth in the hearts of Dong Nai’s citizens.

Dong Nai is undergoing a dynamic transformation, fueled by a strong drive to progress. The Good People, Good Deeds movement has evolved beyond recognition and awards to become an integral part of social life, where every positive action and meaningful deed is nurtured and multiplied through simple, everyday gestures.

The movement stays deeply embedded in social life

Program 7, one of the key initiatives under the movement “All People Unite to Build a Cultural Life” across the province, has been in place since October 2000. Overseen by the Provincial Party Committee’s Department of Information, Education and Mass Mobilization, the program seeks to highlight and share acts of kindness and good deeds by the people of Dong Nai. It also honors outstanding collectives and individuals, inspiring a vibrant spirit of emulation and spreading widely across the community.

Nguyen Thi Hong Trang, Deputy Head of the Provincial Party Committee’s Department of Information, Education and Mass Mobilization, presents awards to the 2024 “Good People, Good Deeds” role models. Photo: Courtesy of the organizers.

From the very beginning, Program 7 clearly defined its objective that is to nurture well-rounded citizens in Dong Nai - people who are compassionate, responsible, and committed to themselves, their families and communities. This clear focus has helped ensure the movement stays practical and impactful, avoiding empty formalities.

Over the past 25 years, Program 7 has been continuously adapted to stay relevant to evolving needs. In the context of the provincial merger and the implementation of the two-tier local administration model, the uninterrupted continuation of the program reflects strong political will and concerted action across the entire political apparatus.

Ngo Dang Thanh, Vice Chairman of Dinh Quan Commune People’s Committee, said that “Good People, Good Deeds” phrase does not refer to grand gestures, but to everyone fulfilling their responsibilities well. Since the merger, local officials have strengthened the spirit of ‘serving the people,’ as this represents the most meaningful acts of good.

Dong Nai’s Good People, Good Deeds movement goes beyond recognizing outstanding individuals. Its deeper goal is to foster a healthy social environment where good actions are valued, positive examples are shared, and every person can become a catalyst for change in the community. The story of Pham Van Ron, a man born deaf and mute in Hamlet 8, Phu Vinh Commune, stands out as a remarkable example.

The Department of Information, Education and Mass Mobilization of the Dong Nai Provincial Party Committee has established clear criteria for identifying the role models of “Good People, Good Deeds,” tailored to different groups including residents, civil servants, businesses, and religious leaders, enabling localities to implement them effectively. At the same time, it provides guidance on the process of identifying, evaluating, and submitting recommendation of exemplary individuals for recognition and awards, with coordinated participation across the political system under the leadership of Party committees at all levels.

Unable to speak, Pham Van Ron shares his care through free haircuts for poor children and elderly residents living alone in the commune. Together with his wife, he also helps create a “green, clean, and beautiful” hometown by tending flowers, planting, and maintaining the street outside their home every day. Their efforts have transformed the street into a model that the residents of Hamlet 8 proudly celebrate.

Duong Nguyen Tien Dat, Deputy Head of Party Building Committee in Phu Vinh Commune, said that the implementation of Program 7 has seen numerous individuals and collectives undertaking meaningful initiatives. He highlighted Pham Van Ron, who, despite his disability, exemplifies remarkable determination and a spirit of “living well” that is both inspiring and worthy of wider recognition.

As the lead agency for Program 7, the Department of Information, Education and Mass Mobilization of the Provincial Party Committee has issued plans and guidance for local authorities across the province. In 2025, the department released three implementation directives, with all 99 provincial-level Party committees adopting execution plans, and several units establishing dedicated Program 7 steering committees.

Aligned with patriotic emulation movements

Led by the Department of Information, Education and Mass Mobilization of the Provincial Party Committee, Program 7 has been implemented in close alignment with patriotic emulation movements and major campaigns, namely “All People Unite to Build a Cultural Life,” “Studying and Following Ho Chi Minh’s Thought, Morality and Style,” and building new-style rural areas and civilized urban centers. This close alignment not only gives the movement greater depth but also fosters unity in awareness and action. Bulletin boards such as “Good Deeds Every Day” and “Good People Around Us” are regularly maintained across residential areas, offices, and schools. Notably, commune and ward People’s Committees have played a key role in local recognition, honoring 768 exemplary individuals over the year.

Party members of Hamlet 1, Tan Khai Commune contribute to the “Jar of Compassionate Rice” Fund to support families in difficult circumstances in the area. Photo: Thanh Nga

In 2025, the provincial Program 7 Steering Committee received commendation dossiers from 89 of the province’s 99 local units, honoring hundreds of collectives and individuals. Among them, the committee proposed that the Provincial People’s Committee commend and award certificates of merit to 82 role models, while 82 were recommended for recognition and certificates of merit from the Provincial People’s Committee, while the Department of Information, Education and Mass Mobilization of the Provincial Party Committee awarded certificates to 99 honorees. These are ordinary people whose extraordinary compassion has sustained and strengthened the movement for over two decades.

Nguyen Khac Vinh, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism — the Standing Agency of the Steering Committee for the “All People Unite to Build a Cultural Life” movement in Dong Nai Province—remarked that Program 7 has played a key role in preserving and promoting social ethics, fostering personal character, and educating all segments of society - particularly young people - to live responsibly, compassionately, and with strong moral values. He added that the program’s effective implementation has generated a positive social impact, reinforcing the principle of “Using the good to suppress the bad,” helping curb negative phenomena in the community.

Program 7 is a meaningful and practical initiative that highlights and celebrates ordinary individuals whose compassion and everyday acts of kindness make a real difference. Expanding the program to recognize more exemplary figures can inspire the community to help build a more civilized and caring Dong Nai.

Over the past 25 years, Program 7 has proven its lasting impact and wide-reaching influence. By promoting simple acts, the program has highlighted the importance of kindness, civic responsibility, and the appreciation of goodness. Living a meaningful life does not require grand gestures - it is found in small acts of care and everyday sharing. Through these seemingly simple actions, Dong Nai is steadily nurturing a cultural foundation that ensures its development ambitions remain closely tied to enduring human values.

By Thanh Nga – Translated by Tam Binh, Thu Ha