CAN THO, Vietnam (AP) — Dao Bao Tran and her brother Do Hoang Trung, 11-year-old twins growing up on a rickety houseboat in the Mekong Delta, have dreams. Tran loves K-pop, watches videos at night to learn Korean and would love to visit Seoul. Trung wants to be a singer.
But their hopes are “unrealistic,” said Trung: “I know I’ll end up going to the city to try and make a living.”
Such dreams have a way of dissipating in southern Vietnam’s Mekong, one of the most climate-vulnerable regions in the world.
For the poor, the future is especially uncertain. A U.N. climate change report in 2022 warned there will be more floods in the wet season and drought in the dry season. Unsustainable extraction of groundwater and sand for construction have made matters worse.
And with rising seas gnawing away at its southern edge and dams hemming the Mekong River upstream, farming in the fertile delta is getting harder. Its contribution to Vietnam’s GDP has dropped from 27% in 1990 to less than 18% in 2019, according to a 2020 report by the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The story of the twins’ single mother, Do Thi Son Ca, and their grandmother, Nguyen Thi Thuy, paints a poignant picture of resilience and struggle in the face of adversity.
As Do Thi Son Ca left her children in the care of her aging mother to seek work in Ho Chi Minh City, she entrusted their well-being to the capable hands of Nguyen Thi Thuy, a 59-year-old woman who has since navigated the challenges of raising the twins on a small houseboat due to financial constraints.
Living on a houseboat on the Hau River, the family’s existence revolves around the daily grind of survival. Nguyen Thi Thuy’s relentless efforts to make ends meet by selling meat and bean buns at the bustling Cai Rang floating market exemplify her unwavering dedication to providing for her grandchildren.
Despite the early mornings and meager earnings of about $4 on good days, Thuy perseveres, knowing that every dollar earned is a step towards sustaining her family.
The twins’ education has been compromised by financial difficulties, with missed school years due to the inability to pay fees.
The dire need for expensive repairs on their houseboat adds to Thuy’s worries, as she grapples with the daunting task of finding $170 before the onset of the rainy season.
The looming threat of violent storms and flooding only adds to the family’s precarious situation, forcing Thuy to navigate the treacherous waters of the Hau River with caution and resilience.
The broader context of migration from the Mekong Delta underscores the complex interplay of factors driving people to seek better opportunities elsewhere.
The increasing trend of outmigration, particularly after 1999, reflects a shifting landscape shaped by economic pressures, environmental challenges, and aspirations for a brighter future.
Climate change emerges as a significant force influencing migration patterns, exacerbating existing vulnerabilities and inequalities in a region that grapples with limited development resources.
Mimi Vu, a trafficking and migration specialist, aptly describes climate change as both a catalyst and accelerant for migration in the Mekong Delta.
The adverse impacts of climate change on livelihoods, coupled with existing disparities in access to education, clean water, and healthcare, underscore the urgent need for sustainable development strategies that prioritize the well-being of vulnerable communities like Thuy’s family.
As the region grapples with the multifaceted challenges of environmental degradation and economic uncertainty, it becomes evident that a holistic approach is needed to address the root causes of migration and build resilience in the face of an uncertain future.
In conclusion, the narrative of Thuy and her grandchildren serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience and fortitude exhibited by individuals facing adversity.
Their story highlights the interconnected nature of challenges such as poverty, education, and climate change, underscoring the need for comprehensive solutions that address the underlying drivers of migration and vulnerability.
As we reflect on their struggles and triumphs, we are reminded of the enduring human spirit that perseveres in the face of hardship, inspiring hope for a more equitable and sustainable future for all.
Vietnam, a country with a rich agricultural heritage, is currently at a crossroads where the government has approved a comprehensive plan to bolster the agricultural economy in the Mekong region.
This region plays a pivotal role in not only sustaining Vietnam’s rice production but also in catering to the food demands of neighboring countries such as Indonesia and the Philippines.
The plan encompasses a wide array of strategies, ranging from the adoption of innovative technologies to enhance rice cultivation efficiency and reduce emissions, to the expansion of fisheries and fruit orchards, and the development of infrastructure like airports and highways to attract foreign investments.
The allure of Ho Chi Minh City, a bustling metropolis and Vietnam’s financial hub, presents a compelling contrast to the rural life in the Mekong region.
This stark dichotomy is especially pronounced among the youth, who often view migration to urban centers or even overseas as a promising pathway to escape poverty.
This essay delves into the narrative of Trung Hieu, a 23-year-old resident of the Mekong delta, shedding light on his journey from rural hardship to urban resilience, and his enduring aspiration to return to his roots and pursue his dream of becoming a teacher.
Hieu’s narrative encapsulates the broader socio-economic dynamics at play in Vietnam, where the rural-urban migration trend is reshaping the demographic landscape and influencing individual aspirations.
Growing up in Dong Thap province in the Mekong, Hieu witnessed the gradual decline of his family’s farm income, compelling him to make a pivotal choice between pursuing higher education and supporting his younger sister’s schooling.
Faced with this dilemma, Hieu opted to move to Ho Chi Minh City, driven by the noble intention of contributing financially to his family’s well-being.
Transitioning from the tranquil agrarian setting of the Mekong to the bustling urban milieu of Ho Chi Minh City was initially daunting for Hieu.
However, his resilience and adaptability enabled him to navigate the challenges and carve out a niche for himself in the city’s competitive landscape.
Balancing two jobs – one in a pharmaceutical factory and the other as a motorcycle rider for a ride-hailing service – Hieu epitomizes the grit and determination of countless young individuals striving to make ends meet in an increasingly urbanized society.
As Hieu acclimatizes to the rhythm of city life, he discovers a myriad of opportunities for personal and professional growth. The city not only offers a diverse range of employment prospects but also serves as a hub for networking and skill enhancement.
Hieu’s journey underscores the transformative power of hard work, perseverance, and adaptability in navigating the urban landscape and forging a path towards self-improvement.
However, amidst the allure of urban amenities and economic prospects, Hieu remains tethered to his rural roots and harbors a deep-seated desire to return to his homeland.
His aspiration to pursue higher education and fulfill his dream of becoming a literature teacher reflects a poignant yearning to reconnect with his cultural heritage and contribute meaningfully to his community.
For Hieu, the prospect of teaching in a school in the Mekong delta symbolizes a sense of belonging and a way to honor his familial legacy.
Trung Hieu’s journey encapsulates the intricate interplay between urbanization and rural development in Vietnam, highlighting the complex choices and aspirations of individuals caught in the flux of societal transformation.
As Vietnam embarks on a path to revitalize its agricultural economy and enhance rural livelihoods in the Mekong region, it is imperative to recognize and address the multifaceted challenges faced by rural communities and migrants like Hieu.
By fostering a holistic approach that integrates sustainable agricultural practices, infrastructural development, and educational opportunities, Vietnam can strive towards a harmonious balance between urban dynamism and rural resilience.
Trung Hieu’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring bond between individuals and their homeland, underscoring the intrinsic human desire to preserve cultural heritage and contribute to community well-being.
In the tapestry of Vietnam’s evolving socio-economic landscape, narratives like Hieu’s illuminate the enduring spirit of resilience, adaptability, and aspiration that define the human experience amidst the winds of change.
As Vietnam navigates the complexities of modernization and urbanization, it is essential to embrace the diversity of rural-urban dynamics and empower individuals like Trung Hieu to chart their own path towards a brighter future, bridging the gap between tradition and progress in a rapidly transforming society.
Through introspection, empathy, and collective action, Vietnam can forge a path towards inclusive development that honors the legacy of its rural heritage while embracing the opportunities of urban innovation.
Trung Hieu’s journey is a testament to the indomitable human spirit and the enduring quest for personal fulfillment and societal contribution, weaving a narrative of hope, resilience, and interconnectedness in the tapestry of Vietnam’s evolving narrative.
In conclusion, the story of Trung Hieu serves as a microcosm of the broader narrative of rural-urban migration, aspiration, and resilience in Vietnam, underscoring the intrinsic human yearning for connection, purpose, and belonging amidst the ebb and flow of societal change.
As Vietnam navigates the complexities of modernization and urbanization, it is imperative to embrace the diversity of individual journeys and collective aspirations that shape the country’s trajectory towards a more inclusive, sustainable, and harmonious future.