Story by Nguyen Xuan Quyen | Communication and Networking Officer | Heifer Vietnam
Photos courtesy of Heifer Vietnam
In the final days of 2012, the atmosphere of Binh Hoa community, Duc Tan village, Long An province, became exciting. Self-Help Group (SHG) members were eagerly awaiting the 2012 Golden Talent Award celebration. The award recognizes the endeavors and achievements in the fight against hunger and poverty.
The SHG members of Binh Hoa hamlet illustrated commitment, sustainability and a spirit of caring and unity despite adverse natural conditions and won the award. The Binh Hoa group is one of the project's three original SHGs.
Leaders of organizations at provincial and district levels, such as the farmers’ association of Long An, Long An Union of Friendship and representatives of Heifer projects in neighboring villages, attended the celebration. Dang Thi Doan Trang, country director of Heifer Vietnam, presented certificates of merit to the winning group and Nguyen Van Hanh, the leader of Binh Hoa SHG.
“All of our SHG members are committed to working together for cohesion and unity to promote our agricultural production," Nguyen Van Hong said. "We will use the prize money to make our group fund bigger for more loans for production growth and income increase."
Local authorities made a commitment to manage the project well, so, when it ends, the results will be sustained and continue to empower participants and the community. Vo Van Ba, chairman of Long An Union of Friendship, said, “The performance and achievements of the project management board and the SHG made a strong impression on me. I highly appreciate the striking efforts of the participating farmers to improve their living and community. Thanks, Heifer Vietnam, for supporting the disadvantaged villages to end hunger and enhance their livelihoods.”
