Vietnam is ramping up efforts to improve social welfare and aid programs throughout 2024, with the guiding principle being to leave no one behind. This ambition was articulated by Đặng Văn Diên, Director of the Department of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs, who emphasized the need for targeted policies to uplift the most vulnerable within Vietnamese society.
Among the various initiatives under this framework, the province of Hưng Yên has taken significant steps to tackle poverty. Following the resolution issued on August 21, 2023, focused on enhancing the leadership of the Communist Party concerning poverty alleviation until 2030, Hưng Yên has refined and introduced multiple support mechanisms aimed at marginalized groups. These efforts include bolstering social support policies for the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and low-income households.
One standout aspect of Hưng Yên's strategy includes state-sponsored health insurance for older adults aged between 60 and 80, along with enhancing monthly welfare benefits for elderly citizens living alone, particularly those classified as poor or near-poor. The province aims for no households to live below the poverty line by 2025 and continues to raise social assistance rates above national standards.
A personal testimony from Phạm Thị Cậy, who resides in Lê Lợi ward and identifies as belonging to the impoverished bracket, speaks volumes about the tangible effects of these programs. Cậy received social assistance amounting to 2,250,000 VND per month, significantly improving her quality of life and allowing her to escape poverty.
The province is also focusing on housing. With plans underway for 2024 to assist impoverished households facing substandard living conditions amid calls for poverty eradication, local government bodies are prioritizing the construction and repair of homes for at least 240 qualifying households, with aid reaching up to 80 million VND for new homes and 40 million VND for repairs.
Bà Hoạt, another resident, shared her gratitude, stating, "I thank all levels of government and the nonprofit Quỹ ‘Vì người nghèo’ for their support." These are not merely handouts; they represent strategic investments aimed at fostering self-reliance and dignity among the beneficiaries.
Alongside Hưng Yên, the Kiến Xương district has also demonstrated commendable achievements, with its total humanitarian aid and social assistance reaching 3.655 trillion VND in 2024. This included efforts like “Tết vì người nghèo” (Tet for the Poor) and “Mỗi tổ chức, mỗi cá nhân gắn với một địa chỉ nhân đạo” (Every Organization, Every Individual Linked to Rescue Addresses), which focused on community mobilization to support needy families during the festive season.
The Kiến Xương district did not just stop at financial aid; they also engaged deeply with local communities through various grassroots efforts. For example, 33 students from underprivileged backgrounds received financial support, showcasing the district’s commitment to education as part of its holistic approach to welfare.
There has been emotional engagement illustrated through stories like Lê Thị Lục's, whose home was severely damaged during Typhoon Yagi. “I was deeply touched by the support,” Lục recounted, highlighting not only the financial but also emotional backing she received from state agencies and local organizations to help her rebuild.
Collectively, these programs reflect Vietnam’s dedication to sustainable poverty reduction. Aiming for significant milestones such as the complete eradication of extreme poverty by 2025 seems ambitious, but the structured approaches and the commitment from all levels of government showcase the potential for achieving these goals.
Through concerted efforts, including credit support, vocational training, and healthcare improvements, the narrative is clear: Vietnam is building more than just infrastructure—it's nurturing hope and stability for future generations. By the end of 2024, it is projected the poverty rate will drop to 0.44%, achieving goals set forth earlier and demonstrating the results possible through targeted intervention.
Landmark programs, such as the 'Nghĩa tình đồng đội' aimed at ex-combatants, reflect the country’s ethos of supporting heroes of the past who continue to face difficulties. Many veterans, including Nguyễn Đình Thiện, expressed their gratitude foreseeing the impact such support has on their quality of life. “This is especially meaningful for me as we approach the new year,” he remarked, displaying optimism even amid prevailing hardships.
Conclusively, 2024 is shaping up to be pivotal for social welfare and aid programs across Vietnam, combining compassionate outreach with solid policy structure. With personal stories reinforcing the statistics, it’s clear these programs are not mere rhetoric but real pathways to recovery and sustainable development.