To increase the income of the poor is our priority. Besides microfinance, the other programs are:
Livestock
The regions where we operates are generally remote and sometimes difficult to access. The population does not benefit from the veterinary-service at short notice, and they are expensive too.
We have trained 63 para-vets to assist the population in raising the livestock. This training is validated by an official certificate. The para-vets are then paid directly by the farmers for their services. The services they each provide to their community are so important that every month the economic value of the animals they save is more than the total cost of their training (180 €).
Besides, training is provided via the farmers groups (about 900 farmers are registered today). Every year 20-30 pilot farms are developed with local farmers, to promote and demonstrate the best techniques.
See stories: "Thân fights the bird flu!"
Agriculture extension
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Farmers groups are formed so that the the people can share their experiences and problems with the support of the program agronomists. Together they look for solutions, it is very practical and in a language the farmers and the poor easily understand.
Marketing is a crucial issue, especially now because of the falling agriculture prices. We try to find new outlets for their produce: the sale of cassava leaves, previously a waste, to companies which processes and mixes them into animal feed, has brought substantial new income to the people.
See stories (in French) : feuille de manioc (manioc leaves).
Handicrafts
Poverty is such that it is sometimes very difficult for the members of the Savings-Credit groups to find the money before the weekly meeting, especially in the lean seasons. Agriculture prices are going down, the cost of living is slowly increasing.
We have tried to develop local handicrafts as a complementary source of employment and income. For the last 18 months the production of high quality hand made quilts has met with a tremendous success. About 70 women are employed. A workshop has opened in Hochiminh City where the women of Dúc linh come regularly and meet the clients.
See the 2 following stories that show how important the handicraft program is for Phuong's family (mother of Anh):
- Anh is
acting so well, and you know why… (09-04-2002,
108 Kb)
Alcoholism, violences in her family... and the girl is improvising at the theater. - Madam
Phuong’s Christmas gift (26-12-2002,
115 Kb)
Madam Phuong succeeded thanks to her beautiful craft. Rescue of a family.
Generation of employment: public works
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Quite often underemployment is high, the people face particular hardship and cannot meet their obligations. Especially when there are droughts etc.
We try to help to improve the infrastructure, in coordination with the commune authorities: road repairs, the building of an embankment against floods, tree plantations etc. With our local partner Thiên Chí, we have made a 17' video which you can download (17 Mo).
