The Community Support Initiatives aimed at assisting vulnerable groups across Vietnam are making significant strides, particularly focusing on children with disabilities and veterans. These programs have not only provided immediate relief but have started paving the way for long-term self-sufficiency among the participants.
One notable organization, the Trung tâm Hỗ trợ phát triển giáo dục hòa nhập Hướng Dương, located in Đông Triều, is dedicated to aiding children with disabilities, especially those from economically challenged backgrounds. Founded by Nguyễn Thị Thanh Huệ, the center emerged from her experiences volunteering during her studies in psychology. "Khi còn là sinh viên ngành tâm lý học, tôi tham gia công tác tình nguyện, thấy có rất nhiều TKT bẩm sinh nhưng không được hỗ trợ can thiệp sớm... Tôi tự nhủ sau này sẽ mở một cơ sở giúp TKT được hỗ trợ can thiệp để hòa nhập," Huệ explained. Her commitment to creating this sanctuary stems from her deep empathy for the children who, without early intervention, faced immense hurdles throughout their lives.
Since its establishment, the center’s mission has been clear: to provide comprehensive support to children with disabilities through specialized educational programs, early intervention, and therapies. The goal is to help these children maximally develop their potential and integrate fully within their communities, participating actively in society.
Among the many children the center has assisted, Lương Đức Trường, only ten years old, is dealing with severe autism. His family struggles financially, relying solely on the income of his father, who works as a laborer, leaving them unable to afford the interventions he needs at the center. Recognizing this challenge, the center has employed Trường’s mother, Linh Thị Thủy, allowing her to care for him more effectively and contribute to the family’s income. The center also covers part of the schooling expenses for another beneficiary, the eighteen-year-old Trần Thị Oanh, who is hearing impaired. With financial assistance to cover half of her tuition, Oanh is now learning sign language, enabling her to communicate with others and pursue vocational training.
But it’s not just children benefiting from these initiatives; veteran groups are also taking action to support their members through the Hội Cựu chiến binh huyện Sông Mã. During the year 2024, the organization ramped up efforts to assist poor veterans by aiding them to build permanent homes and improve their economic situations. Led by the chairman Giàng A Pó, the guild has sought to reduce the number of impoverished veterans significantly. By the end of the year, they successfully reduced the count by 120 families classified as poor and 92 families near poverty. The local CCB united under the spirit of mutual help: "người có giúp người khó," creating and distributing financial support to those who need it most, with over 188 billion VND allocated to assist more than 3,650 veterans with capital for production and business profits.
Economic initiatives have sprouted as well. Currently, several enterprises and cooperatives thrive, primarily managed by veterans, providing stable jobs for over 800 local workers. A standout success story is Quàng Văn Soạn, who developed a mixed farming model yielding over 500 million VND annually. "Mô hình trang trại tổng hợp VAC của ông hiện mang lại thu nhập mỗi năm trên 500 triệu đồng," Soạn noted, proudly highlighting his sustainable aquaculture practices. Their collective achievements not only alleviate poverty but also build flourishing communities.
Efforts extend beyond immediate needs and range to providing education and psychological support for families of these vulnerable groups. For example, the center conducts free screenings and assessments for developmental disorders, offering timely interventions, educational resources, and wellness materials for parents. They also engage the community through fundraising activities to support children from low-income households, distributing essentials during important festive occasions.
Looking forward, initiatives like the Trung tâm Hỗ trợ phát triển giáo dục hòa nhập Hướng Dương plan to launch vocational training programs aimed at introducing older children to skills necessary for self-sufficiency, such as hospitality and culinary arts. These programs are set to start implementation by 2025.
With such initiatives gaining momentum, there’s hope for continuous improvement. The collective efforts to reduce poverty levels and alleviate hardships reaffirms the importance of local engagement and social responsibility within these communities. The unwavering spirit to support one another is the bedrock of these successful community support initiatives, advancing the rights and dignity of all involved.
