The elderly care for the elderly, leading society forward.

Throughout the years, the Elderly Associations at all levels in Ca Mau province have consistently upheld the spirit of "Elderly people - shining examples," serving as a solid support and driving force contributing to building happy families, a prosperous society, and socio-economic development in the locality. Many exemplary individuals have taken the lead in various movements and activities of the elderly in the locality, such as Ms. Dang Thi Lan, born in 1952, Head of the Elderly Association Branch and Chairperson of the Intergenerational Self-Help Club in Hamlet 5, Tan Loc Commune, who recently received a commendation from the Central Government.

• Elderly people in Ca Mau City uphold the spirit of "Old age - Shining examples".
• Elderly people serve as role models.

Ms. Lan understood that to help and set an example for members of the Intergenerational Self-Help Club, she herself needed to develop a stable economy and strengthen family bonds. She and her husband worked together to improve their neglected garden and farmland to generate income. Each year, Ms. Lan's family cultivates two rice-shrimp crops, earning 80 million VND after deducting all expenses. In addition, she raises chickens and ducks, bringing in approximately 30 million VND.

Ms. Lan shared: “I have to set an example for the other women to trust me. Therefore, my husband and I strive to develop our finances so that we can have a stable and comfortable life. I have three daughters, all of whom have stable jobs and happy families. My third daughter lives next door, taking care of her parents, creating a harmonious, joyful, and respectful intergenerational family.”

Ms. Dang Thi Lan (far left) regularly meets with members of the Intergenerational Self-Help Club for cultural activities and to exchange useful economic models.

Thanks to strong family support and a willingness to overcome economic challenges, Ms. Lan has earned the trust of the club members. She has also demonstrated excellent leadership and responsibility as the club's chairperson, actively campaigning for the establishment of an intergenerational self-help club with 57 members, maintaining regular monthly meetings. Despite the difficulties in rural areas, she initially raised 73 million VND for the club. As the club's chairperson, Ms. Lan always cares for members in difficult circumstances. Each year, she approves loans for 20 members to support their production. In addition, she mobilizes nearly 100 days of labor annually to help members in need, actively contributing to the care of the local elderly.

Currently, all members of the Intergenerational Mutual Support Club in Hamlet 5 have stable finances. This has created an environment where the women can happily participate in local cultural, artistic, and sports activities with a relaxed mindset.

Besides raising shrimp and poultry, Ms. Dang Thi Lan also grows sugarcane to provide ingredients for her daughter to sell sugarcane juice in front of their house.

Ms. Ngo Thi Le, a member of the club, said: "I find that joining the club helps with revolving capital and mutual support. Ms. Lan helped with some money to raise ducks, and later, when we sell the ducks and make a profit, we raise a larger batch. For the past few years, I've seen my life improve, I have the means to take care of my family, my children are harmonious, and they are getting a proper education."

According to Mr. Nguyen Manh Dung, Deputy Head of the Representative Board of the Elderly Association of Ca Mau province, after a five-year review, Ms. Dang Thi Lan was awarded a certificate of merit by the Central Association of Elderly People for her achievements in leading, managing, and organizing regular activities of the club. This result contributes to the local elderly association's successful fulfillment of two tasks: promoting and caring for the elderly.

With this positive development and the trust and encouragement she has received from club members and various levels of government, Ms. Lan hopes to have even more health to dedicate herself to her work. Ms. Lan said: “I feel happy that I can help the women like this. The other day, when I attended the provincial congress, I heard that there would be some capital assistance available. I hope to receive that capital so that the women can borrow more to start their businesses. I aspire for the club to develop even further in the future.”

Lam Khanh - Minh Luan

Source: https://baocamau.vn/gia-cham-gia-dua-xa-hoi-di-len-a101809.html