9,000 intergenerational clubs: suitable for the aging population

Online conference with 63 provinces and cities nationwide, summarizing Project 1336 - Photo: VGP/Phuong Lien

On May 8, the Central Standing Committee of the Vietnam Association of the Elderly held an online conference with 63 provinces and cities nationwide, summarizing Project 1336 according to Decision No. 1336 dated August 31, 2020 of the Prime Minister on replicating the model of intergenerational self-help clubs until 2025.

9,000 Intergenerational Self-Help Clubs Nationwide

According to the Report of the Vietnam Association of the Elderly, after more than 10 years of implementation, the model of Intergenerational Self-Help Clubs is very humane, suitable for the socio-economic conditions and the aging process of our country's population. The expansion of this model is a correct policy, in line with the people's wishes, and has received the support of local authorities and people.

In particular, according to the assessment of international organizations, the Intergenerational Self-Help Club is considered a good initiative of the Vietnamese Government. In particular, the World Health Organization included the Intergenerational Self-Help Club in the Western Pacific Regional Action Plan on Healthy Ageing; the United Nations Economic and Social Organization (UNDESA) selected the Intergenerational Self-Help Club as one of the typical examples contributing to the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals at the community level...

The Central Committee of the Vietnam Association of the Elderly said that, compared with the targets in Decision 1336 assigned by the Prime Minister, the project has achieved and exceeded 3 targets including: 63/63 provinces and cities nationwide have newly established intergenerational clubs to help each other, exceeding 105% of the target and tasks; newly established 6,000 intergenerational self-help clubs, bringing the current total to 9,000 clubs, exceeding 200% of the target and tasks; mobilized 330,000 members to participate, exceeding 200% of the target and tasks.

However, there were two targets that were not met: 150,000 members of the intergenerational self-help club were able to borrow capital for production and business, reaching only 45% (the Government's target was 50%); 40% of the intergenerational self-help clubs fully implemented 8 areas of activities and maintained regular monthly activities (the Government's target was 80%).

At the conference, delegates focused on discussing and clarifying the advantages and difficulties in the implementation of the Project, sharing practical experiences and proposing solutions to improve the effectiveness of the activities of the Intergenerational Self-Help Clubs, specifically: Strengthening communication work; organizing training courses and skills development for association officials and the Club Management Board; increasing the mobilization of resources from domestic and foreign organizations and individuals to support the activities of the Club; developing a plan for the development of the Intergenerational Self-Help Club in conjunction with the local socio-economic development program, ensuring long-term sustainability and effectiveness.

Promoting intergenerational engagement in the community

Mr. Pham Anh Tuan, Chairman of the Association of the Elderly in Ca Mau province, said: "Intergenerational self-help clubs contribute to improving the health of the elderly, preserving and transmitting national culture, improving and enhancing the quality of life, contributing to poverty reduction, building new rural areas, civilized urban areas, maintaining political security and social order in the area, and at the same time promoting cohesion between generations in the community. In the coming period, Ca Mau will maintain and expand the model, while aiming to build a dynamic aging community, proactively adapting to the increasing rate of population aging in society."

To continue to expand, maintain and improve the quality of Intergenerational Self-Help Clubs in the new period, Chairman of the Vietnam Association of the Elderly Nguyen Thanh Binh said: The Association will continue to advise the Prime Minister to issue a document directing the expansion, maintenance and improvement of the quality of activities of Intergenerational Self-Help Clubs until 2030 and vision to 2045.

Focus on establishing intergenerational self-help clubs in communes, wards, towns, villages, hamlets, and residential groups that do not have clubs, with priority given to mountainous areas, remote areas, and border and island areas.

Regarding resources, continue to promote socialization, mobilize businesses, non-governmental organizations, and community funds to support the establishment and maintenance of club activities. Integrate with national target programs such as sustainable poverty reduction, new rural development, and climate change adaptation to mobilize resources for intergenerational self-help clubs.

During the program, the Central Committee of the Vietnam Association of the Elderly announced the Decision to award certificates of merit to 176 collectives and individuals with outstanding achievements in implementing the Project to replicate the model of intergenerational self-help clubs.

Phuong Lien

Source: https://baochinhphu.vn/9000-clb-lien-the-he-phu-hop-voi-qua-trinh-gia-hoa-dan-so-102250508154805113.htm