The provincial fund for workers' support has made significant strides in 2024 by financially aiding those facing difficult circumstances, ensuring timely assistance and fostering resilience among the workforce.
Throughout the year, the Bình Dương fund has dished out 346 aid packages, amounting to over 3 billion VND, focusing on workers grappling with exceptional hardships.
Recognizing the need to broaden who qualifies for assistance, the fund has introduced new eligibility criteria extending to spouses, children, and union members suffering from severe illnesses, with 27 awards distributed under this new provision. This modification on eligibility marks a significant shift, leading to greater reach and impact within the community.
To date, the fund has supported 1,354 packages with over 12.8 billion VND allocated since its inception. This structured aid program is part of the larger initiative dubbed “Mái ấm công đoàn” aimed at providing housing support for workers dealing with economic difficulties.
During the 2024 Workers' Month, themed “Unity Among Workers, Implementing Resolutions,” local unions have organized visits to deliver gifts to struggling workers across various regions, mobilizing societal resources to support 15 “Mái ấm công đoàn” projects, valued at 1.47 billion VND, targeted at those lacking adequate housing.
The Farmers' Association has also actively participated by initiating housing programs, enabling countless agricultural workers to improve their living conditions. Programs such as “Mái ấm nông dân” have become the hallmark of these initiatives. The program has created enthusiasm among participants, which is imperative for encouraging agricultural workers to attain self-sufficiency.
An inspiring story emerged from the village of Lộc Môn, where Quách Thị Luyến and her family realized their dream of owning a strong, spacious home after years of facing hardships. Shortly before the Lunar New Year, family and community support enabled them to complete their house. Quách shared, "Until the day of handing over the house, I still couldn't believe our family had this beautiful, cozy place to move to just before the New Year. Our old house had long been dilapidated, and living with such inconvenience had been our norm due to financial struggles."
Her narrative reflects the larger trend of many families who have benefited from this unwavering support system. "The financial aid we received starts small but ignites significant change," highlighted Đinh Thị Thảo, Chairwoman of the Farmers' Association, who emphasized the role of such initiatives as key motivators for families to break free from the poverty trap.
The collaboration furthers the cause of addressing housing insecurity and uplifting the standard of living, making genuine impacts on numerous lives throughout the region. Over the years, tens of families have benefited from newly built houses and house repairs facilitated by various councils and unions.
The commitment to alleviate hardships goes beyond merely providing shelter. This initiative promotes integral community participation, emphasizing the mantra “the household works, the state supports, the community helps,” which fosters durable partnerships among community members ensuring holistic family development.
Throughout 2024, each level of organization has been preparing plans to survey living conditions for impoverished farmers, aiming to curate solutions for their real needs effectively. This systematic approach facilitates timely help, ensuring no one is left behind.
While the obstacles remain numerous, community leaders like Đinh Thị Thảo continue to urge solidarity among members, including requesting contributions from businesses and charitable individuals to multiply these efforts. "We aim to raise awareness about supporting ‘Mái ấm nông dân’ houses, encouraging more individuals to get involved, especially as we focus on building resilience and improving lives," Thảo stated.
This dual-pronged effort—supporting housing build-outs alongside establishing financial and resource aid, including material and livestock—represents the foundation of sustainable rural growth. With generous community backing, localized initiatives increase economic possibilities for the Farmer's Association members.
Finally, as support initiatives grow, the bond among community members strengthens, highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts to address real-life challenges and ensuring sustainable growth for the residents of Bình Dương.