A total of 30 intergenerational self-help clubs (ISHC) have been established in Hoa Binh province under the project "Reducing Income- and Health-Related Vulnerability of Older Persons in Vietnam" (VIE071) since 2021.
The clubs generate benefits for the elderly, particularly those who are living alone in difficult circumstances. Beneficiaries get better healthcare, and increased incomes and have their material and spiritual lives improved.
The ISHC in Hanh Phuc hamlet, Hoa Son commune, Luong Son district, holds a birthday celebration for its members.
Members of the ISHC in Hanh Phuc hamlet, Hoa Son commune, Luong Son district, gather at the hamlet’s cultural house every afternoon to join sports, cultural or healthcare activities. The club established in April 2023 now has 50 members with elderly people accounting for over 70%. The club’s activities help ensure effective healthcare for the elderly and promote their roles in the community.
Under the project VIE071, 23 members of the club accessed loans worth 134 million VND (5,360 USD).
Nguyen Thi Thu, the club’s head said that the club connects the elderly, encouraging them to take part in health-improving activities and support each other. The activities are all welcomed by the club members.
Under Plan No. 146/KH-UBND, dated October 9, 2022 of the provincial People's Committee on replicating the ISHC model, the province strives to establish additional 75 clubs by 2025. Project VIE071 is funded by the Japanese Government through the World Bank, implemented by the provincial Elderly Association, HelpAge International in Vietnam (HAI) and technical support from the Vietnam Elderly Association. The ISHC’s activities have created favourable conditions for members and local residents to enjoy policies on poverty reduction, take part in social welfare and community healthcare activities, thus helping strengthening the great solidarity bloc. Moreover, by the end of March, a total of 858 members had accessed preferential loans worth 4.2 billion VND.
To improve the efficiency of clubs, the provincial elderly association has proactively coordinated with HAI and Project VIE071 to organise training courses for the district-level elderly associations and clubs. Bui Tuan Hai, Chairman of the provincial Elderly Association, said the association will continue to coordinate with HAI to improve the management and operation of the ISHCs.
