Huong Hoa makes non-governmental capital effective

Huong Hoa District has been successfully mobilizing, receiving, implementing, and managing foreign NGO aid programs and projects in a practical and effective way. Consequently, there has been a steady increase in the number and value of these aid programs, significantly enhancing social welfare within the district.

In the first nine months of 2024, Plan International Vietnam implemented nine vocational education communication events at nine secondary schools in Thanh, Thuan, Huong Loc, Xy, Ba Tang, A Doi, A Tuc, A Xing, and Xy communes in Huong Hoa District.

Schoolchildren at Thuan Secondary School plant organic veggies in the school. Photo: Bao Binh

The project implemented livelihood models that integrated in-school career guidance with practical home and community experiences. For example, it collaborated with Thuan Secondary School to support goat farming for the families of two disadvantaged students. Under this model, parents are required to pass on young goats to other disadvantaged families after one year, improving economic conditions and preventing student dropouts.

In Xy commune, the project, in collaboration with Xy Secondary School, supported bamboo rat farming for three other disadvantaged families, increasing their income and improving living conditions. Moreover, career-oriented organic vegetable garden projects have been successfully established at five secondary schools in Huc, Thuan, Ba Tang, Thanh, and Xy communes. Traditional brocade weaving programs of the Van Kieu ethnic group are also being introduced at two secondary schools in A Doi and A Tuc communes, involving 221 students and 18 teachers. These initiatives are among the numerous projects Plan is executing in Huong Hoa District, significantly benefiting and enhancing the lives of the local population.

At present, seven NGOs are actively working across most communes in Huong Hoa District, concentrating on various areas including regional and community development, healthcare assistance, mine clearance and education, preschool construction, women’s libraries, income enhancement, scholarships for underprivileged students, housing for bomb and mine victims, and support for those affected by dioxin. These initiatives aim to assist vulnerable and disadvantaged populations, particularly ethnic minorities, children, and individuals with disabilities.

In 2024, the district mobilized and implemented 14 grant aid programs and projects funded by 10 organizations, including the Pacific Links Foundation, the US Embassy in Vietnam, the Flemish Association for Development Cooperation and Technical Assistance (VVOB), The DOVE Fund, Children of Vietnam (COV), Ireland, PeaceTrees Vietnam, Global Playgrounds (USA), Plan International, and World Vision International (WVI).

The efforts have helped improve infrastructure and social welfare. As a result, the district’s infrastructure has seen substantial improvements. Residents have transitioned from outdated farming methods to embracing scientific and technical advancements, boosting crop and livestock productivity. Comprehensive and solid investments have been made in the education and healthcare systems. In addition to state funding, NGO support has played a crucial role in the district’s socio-economic development.

Moreover, organizations and individuals participating in NGO aid within the district have strictly adhered to regulations regarding the management and use of such aid. The district has also emphasized the dissemination of regulations related to mobilizing, receiving, utilizing, and managing NGO aid to relevant agencies and units, especially those directly involved in these activities.

Tran Binh Thuan, Chairman of the Huong Hoa District People’s Committee, said that the local government has fostered a supportive environment for NGO activities. This includes enhancing proactivity and cooperation with NGOs, strengthening coordination with provincial departments and agencies to collect information, comprehend NGO activities, and approve programs and projects. The effective management and use of aid, along with rigorous monitoring and supervision, have greatly improved the quality of life, especially for women and children.

Huong Hoa District plans to adhere to directives, utilize NGO aid resources, and ensure effective coordination to support NGO activities in the future plans. The district will focus on creating and implementing programs and projects that align with socio-economic development goals, while also maintaining political security and social order.

Bao Binh – Linh Pham