On 7 August 2024, with youthful energy and a spirit of enthusiasm, the youth across Da Nang are striving to create meaningful models and solutions to serve the community. Notable initiatives include the “Bright Alleys - Safe Lanes” model from the Hoa Cuong Bac Ward-based Youth Union in Hai Chau District, and the “Mobile Citizen Support Team” initiated by the Youth Union organisation of Hoa Vang District.

The “Mobile Citizen Support Team” model consists of 15 - 20 members, primarily comprising youth union members.

Ensuring safe and convenient travel

Given the reality in Hoa Cuong Bac Ward, with narrow alleys that are convoluted and often dead-end, posing risks to traffic safety and security, particularly regarding fire prevention and fighting, the youth union has implemented the “Bright Alleys - Safe Lanes” model. This involves installing cameras, convex mirrors, solar-powered lights, speed bumps, and warning signs in the narrow alleys of the ward. The youth union selected Alley 129 on Tieu La Street for the initial implementation. The community has initially shown strong agreement and support for this model.

The security cameras provide 24/7 surveillance, promptly identifying and preventing criminal activities, and effectively assisting authorities in investigations; the convex mirrors improve visibility at blind corners, reducing the risk of collisions, especially in densely populated areas, schools, and hospitals; the solar-powered lights not only save electricity costs but also protect the environment through renewable energy use; while the warning signs and audio signals provide timely information and alerts, enhancing the public’s awareness of traffic laws.

The Secretary of the Hoa Cuong Bac ward-based Youth Union, Ms Vo Le Kim Ngan, noted that previously, the area lacked street lighting, often leading to littering and unsafe traffic conditions. Therefore, the youth union members contributed funds for installing solar-powered lights and a convex mirror. Initially, the union identified the type and quantity of equipment needed, specific locations, and estimated costs. The convex mirror was placed at a blind intersection at an appropriate height for easy observation by residents.

Connecting community with modern public services

In 2023, Hoa Vang District implemented the “Mobile Citizen Support Team” model, trialled in five communes (Hoa Phuoc, Hoa Phong, Hoa Nhon, and Hoa Lien) to facilitate the completion of administrative procedures for residents. This team also consists of 15 to 20 members, mainly youth union members. The model has now expanded and developed strongly in 9 out of 11 communes, with key activities including assisting citizens in registering for public service accounts, electronic certification, and providing mobile support on weekends at community clusters.

 Numerous activities have been organised, such as assisting with identity code registration, “Administrative Reform Saturdays”, helping citizens at the one-stop-shop department, and “Volunteers for Urban Civilisation” to support residents in completing online public services and resolving administrative procedures, achieving positive outcomes. Over 50 support sessions have been conducted with 200 youth union members participating; five rounds of birth certificates and marriage registrations were delivered to citizens’ homes; over 300 administrative procedures were processed; and 7,000 labour information forms were surveyed, with 3,295 data entries from associations and labour market information integrated into the National Database on Population.

According to Ms Nguyen Thi Giang Thuy, Secretary of the Hoa Vang District Youth Union, the “Mobile Citizen Support Team” model has created positive effects, providing significant benefits to the community and contributing to building a government that is “close to the people and attentive to their needs.” In the future, the model will be implemented in Hoa Chau and Hoa Son communes, aiming to enhance the quality of administrative reform efforts and to promptly resolve citizens’ difficulties and issues. It will also ensure quick processing of citizens’ requests, reducing the occurrence of excessive complaints and protracted grievances, thereby fostering a friendly image of the Hoa Vang District government.

As stated by Mr Nguyen Ba Duan, Deputy Secretary of the municipal Youth Union, the “Bright Alleys - Safe Lanes” and “Mobile Citizen Support Team” are practical and meaningful models. Both initiatives have shown positive results and received enthusiastic support from the community. In the future, the Youth Union will direct various units to continue to replicate these models throughout the city, contributing to the development of urban lifestyles and enhancing the quality of life and happiness for residents.

Reporting by TRIEU SAN - Translating by TRUC VY