Old farmer Huynh Van On: 'I chose the path of lifelong learning'

Boldly converting from rice land to coconut growing has helped Mr. On's family earn a profit of nearly 60 million VND, after deducting expenses.

In Dai Phuoc commune, Dong Nai province, there is a shining example of the spirit of continuous learning, that is Mr. Huynh Van On, a member of the Learning Promotion Association of Giong Ong Dong hamlet.

From learning promotion member to lifelong learning inspiration

Born into a farming family, Mr. Huynh Van On's life is closely linked to the rice fields and flood seasons.

During his childhood, going to school was a difficult journey, the roads were muddy, there was no means of transportation, and the family's conditions were limited. However, he still tried to study until grade 8, a valuable achievement in the difficult context at that time. But his learning path did not stop there. With a deep understanding that knowledge is the key to success, Mr. On chose to learn for life, learning from work, friends, books, training classes... to change his life and his family's.

He actively proposed to the Giong Ong Dong Hamlet Learning Promotion Association to organize meetings associated with document study activities, information exchange, and dissemination of Party and State policies on learning promotion. He himself also regularly participates in short-term training courses organized by the commune to improve production skills, especially in the field of agriculture . From how to choose seeds, care for plants to applying techniques to production, he has absorbed and applied them effectively.

Mr. On confided: "You have to study and learn all your life. The children today are young, quick, and update technology much better than me. I always try to learn from them, from young people because that is the best way to not fall behind in the digital age. You have to learn what is good and useful. There are many ways to learn, but learning from young people is the way I choose every day."

Mr. On believes that: "If you don't study, you can't understand. If you don't understand, you can't do. If you don't do, you can't change your life. Even though I'm old, I still study because studying is the foundation for living better, working more effectively and helping more people."

Learning in economic development and improving the quality of life

Previously, Mr. On's family mainly grew rice. However, he realized that rice farming was no longer economically efficient due to unstable prices and high investment costs. Not resigned to poverty, in 2009 he began to explore the coconut growing model, a new direction that few people dared to try.

After researching through books and newspapers, watching agricultural radio programs and learning from the experiences of his predecessors, he decided to convert 1 hectare of rice land to coconut farming.

Initially, with 200 coconut trees, Mr. On devoted all his efforts, meticulously cared for them, and learned from his experience. After 3 years, the coconut garden began to yield harvests, with an initial yield of about 800 fruits per month, equivalent to an income of more than 50 million VND/month.

Applying the accumulated experience, he continued to invest in expanding 2.5 hectares of coconut land and improving the care process. Thanks to learning how to choose good varieties and cultivate properly, the coconut garden has grown strongly. Currently, his family harvests an average of 1,200 fruits per month, bringing in a profit of nearly 60 million VND after deducting expenses.

Representatives of the Provincial Association for the Promotion of Education and the Department of Culture and Society of Dai Phuoc commune visited Mr. Huynh Van On's coconut garden. Photo: Hoang Vu

Mr. On shared: “I mainly take care of the coconut garden myself. Sometimes I ask others to do it but they don’t know the techniques, so the trees are easily attacked by weevils. If you want the coconut trees to grow well and produce fruit regularly, you have to understand the trees and know how to prevent and treat diseases promptly.”

Not only is Mr. On a good businessman, he is also an exemplary father. His three children have all achieved success in their studies. The eldest son is a mechanical engineer and has a stable job in Nhon Trach Industrial Park. The second son is also in the mechanical engineering field and has a stable income. The youngest daughter is currently working at the Dai Phuoc Commune Public Administration Service Center.

His six grandchildren all went to school, continuing the family's tradition of learning. His family has been recognized for many years as a Cultural Family and a Typical Learning Family. In particular, in 2022, he was honored as a Learning Citizen, a worthy reward for a journey of continuous effort and dedication.

Not keeping his knowledge to himself, Mr. On is always willing to share his experience with the people around him. Many households in the hamlet have learned from his coconut growing model, gradually improving their lives. He also regularly encourages his friends and neighbors to participate in community classes, encourages their children to study, and actively participates in the local education promotion movement.

Behind the economic achievements is the image of a person living in harmony, closeness, always obeying the law, maintaining ethics and especially the spirit of "learning more, learning forever" in the true sense.

Mr. Huynh Van On's journey is a clear proof that learning is not only in school but also present in every field, every season, every change of life. From a farmer who only finished 8th grade, he rose up by his own will and knowledge, becoming a shining example of lifelong learning, inspiring many people in the countryside of Dong Nai.

Thanh Truc

Source: https://baodongnai.com.vn/xa-hoi/giao-duc/202507/lao-nong-huynh-van-on-toi-chon-con-duong-hoc-tap-suot-doi-27a03fc/