A group of 30 young volunteers have taken on the task of repairing potholes in Gia Lai Province, located in Vietnam’s Central Highlands, as part the 'Peaceful Roads' project.

The project was spearheaded by Lieutenant Le Tuan Thanh, a police officer in Hra Commune, Mang Yang District, Gia Lai Province, since August last year.

To date, 13 routes and alleys spanning nearly 20 kilometers in Pleiku City and Grai District have been repaired, ensuring the safety of local commuters.

Due to Thanh’s frequent travels for work, he has encountered many deteriorating roads riddled with large potholes.

These conditions pose significant challenges for local residents, leading to accidents and injuries, with some individuals even experiencing falls.

He is also keen on charity work, so he and other young friends have jointly conducted the 'Peaceful Roads' project.

Since many of the volunteers are occupied with work or school during the day, the team opted to repair the roads at night.

Fewer vehicles travel on the roads at night-time, allowing them to work more efficiently and swiftly.

At times, they rely on flashlights to ensure sufficient illumination for mixing concrete and repairing the roads.

Most recently, the team covered large potholes on a two-kilometer section of Alley 125 on Hoang Sa Street in Pleiku City.

They got the support from some residents in the neighborhood, who also provided them with drinks and water for mixing concrete.

Nguyen Dinh Tan, a 31-year-old member of the team, said that he finds the work meaningful, which prompted him to contribute money toward purchasing materials for road repairs and to join the team.

"Upon completing a road repair, it brings us all joy to receive gratitude from the locals," Tan said.

Nguyen Thi Nga, another team member, shared that she joined the group as she felt sad whenever hearing news that students fell and were injured while they were on the way home from school at night, for they could not see potholes on the roads.

Doing such a meaningful job also helps her reduce stress, Nga added.

While none of the team members are professional road builders, they approach the task with a level of professionalism.

To ensure the job is done correctly and to a high standard, the team seeks guidance from construction workers.

Over time, they have gained valuable experience through their road repair efforts, gradually improving their skills.

Members of the team chip in to buy materials, Thanh said.

Lieutenant Thanh was among the 20 young people to receive a certificate of merit from the Vietnam Youth Federation for his outstanding performance and won the 'Young People Live Beautifully' prize in 2023.

He was also among the 10 individuals to get a certificate of merit from the Central Committee of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union.

Besides the 'Peaceful Roads' project, Thanh and other volunteers are getting involved in schemes to plant forests, present books to prisons and rehabilitation facilities, and run classes for ethnic minority people.

Nguyen Van Thuyet, head of residential neighborhood No. 10 in Ia Grin Ward, Pleiku City, said thanks to the team’s efforts, local alleys are now flat and residents can travel comfortably.

The administration in Ia Yok Commune, Ia Grai District lauded the team’s act, which has helped the commune offer better welfare services to local residents, according to vice-chairman of the commune Le Truong Son.

Like us on Facebook or  follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!