Community support initiatives aimed at poverty alleviation and the empowerment of women and elderly individuals are gaining momentum across Vietnam, showcasing exemplary efforts from various associations committed to enhancing lives.
On December 23, 2024, the Provincial Elderly Association teamed up with HelpAge International to review the progress of the VIE 085 project, focusing on establishing self-help clubs for disadvantaged older adults. This project, currently active for its second year, has seen significant transformation, particularly in Hung Yen province, where nine new self-help clubs were launched, benefiting 126 elderly members with microloans totaling nearly $4,000. Each club receives support of $1,290 from the project, accompanied by matching contributions from the members themselves.
The initiative has not only offered financial assistance but has also facilitated regular health check-ups and educational sessions on self-care, significantly improving members' well-being and knowledge on health management. With 46 health check-up events conducted, approximately 90% of club members have attended, illustrating the project’s comprehensive approach to health awareness.
Quang Trach District’s Veterans Association has also pioneered programs aimed at economic empowerment, under the banner “Veterans Helping Each Other to Reduce Poverty and Succeed Economically.” Association President, Pham Van Thanh, explained, “Our support initiatives have empowered many members to transform their lives from hardship to sustainable livelihood. This community solidarity is our greatest asset.” The approach leverages hands-on training, affordable loans, and external collaborations with local financial institutions to create sustainable business models.
Thanks to structured loan programs, more than 2,500 families have benefitted from approximately $5.8 million reserved for economic development projects within the veterans' community. Veterans like Ho Xuan Tam have become role models, transitioning from struggling to thriving. Tam has successfully developed his 8-hectare family farm, yielding not just sustainable agricultural produce but also providing employment and cooperation for fellow veterans.
Women, who comprise more than 40% of those affected by poverty, are another focal point of these community programs. The Women’s Union of Yên Bài district has implemented innovative strategies to lift women out of the poverty trap through the “Help Poor Women with Addressable Needs” initiative, spearheaded by Chairwoman Nguyen Thi My Binh. This program focuses on mapping out support for each impoverished household, providing resources like seeds and livestock, and lending through local banks.
“Women, particularly those from poor backgrounds, are prioritized to receive targeted support as part of our local policy,” said Binh. The comprehensive nature of these programs is evident, with vocational training and facilitated loans fostering both confidence and capability among beneficiaries. All the programs have actively supported nearly 500 underprivileged women, often resulting in increased incomes and reduced poverty rates.
Remarkably, due to the combined impact of these initiatives, overall poverty levels in Ba Vi district have decreased from 1.43% to just 0.34% within five years. Participants have reported not only financial improvement but also greater unity and support within the community. Local resident Le Thi Hoa, one of the many women helped by the Women’s Union, noted, “It feels empowering to not only support my family but also contribute to the growth of our community.”
Various campaigns, like “Mutual Aid,” allow women to access resources and support from one another, creating dynamic social networks based on trust and cooperation. Nationally, the impact of these self-help measures is clear, inspiring similar initiatives across rural areas of Vietnam.
Nguyen Thi Kim Oanh, Vice Chair of the Ba Vi District People’s Committee, adds, “The creative approaches from our local unions have proven most effective. We are thrilled to observe tangible changes as women take charge of their economic destinies.”
These community support initiatives exemplify how collective efforts can spark change, effectively reducing poverty and enhancing livelihood across Vietnam’s rural landscapes. The synergy between local associations, committed volunteers, and the community's resilience highlights the true spirit of support and empowerment.
