The effectiveness of intergenerational self-help clubs

(Baothanhhoa.vn) - With practical activities such as supporting economic development, helping each other when sick, taking care of and checking health, practicing physical exercises, actively participating in cultural - artistic, physical - sports movements..., intergenerational self-help clubs (IGCs) in the province have contributed to improving the quality of life for poor elderly people and people in difficult circumstances in many localities.

Regular meeting of the intergenerational self-help club in Hung Dao village, Nga Thuy commune (Nga Son).

Witnessing the regular activities of the LTHTGN Club in Hung Dao village, Nga Thuy commune (Nga Son), we felt the exciting atmosphere with homegrown performances and experience exchange activities in production development, increasing income; Q&A about the causes, prevention methods and some remedies for common diseases in the elderly; information about the health of members, the situation of volunteers taking care of lonely elderly people...

Chairman of the Hung Dao Village Elderly Care Club, Nguyen Duc Viet, said: “The club was established in April 2022 and currently has 62 members. Since its establishment, the club has maintained the following activities: Health care; increasing income; culture - arts; home care; raising awareness of rights and benefits; community support... In particular, the club has coordinated with the Elderly Association and the commune health station to organize 2 health check-ups/year for club members and the elderly in the community; monthly health monitoring for 100% of members; maintaining the activities of the physical education team, men's and women's volleyball team and folk dance team; volunteer team for home care; helping 43 members borrow capital to develop the economy and increase income"...

Chairman of the Provincial Elderly Association Nguyen Duc Thang said: "Since 2010, the Provincial Elderly Association has been approached and established the first LTHTGN Clubs through the sponsorship of the VIE022 International Project, including 80 clubs implemented by the Vietnam Elderly Association in coordination with the International Elderly Support Organization in Vietnam (HAI). Recognizing this as a humane model, the Provincial Elderly Association has directed the elderly at all levels to seriously implement it. With great efforts and determination, Thanh Hoa has now established 1,252 clubs, becoming the leading locality in the country in replicating the LTHTGN Club model. The clubs have attracted more than 77,000 members to participate actively and effectively in activities; are managing capital to increase income of over 91 billion VND, helping over 15,000 members to borrow capital, develop the economy, and increase income. Notably, 26/26 districts, towns, and cities have LTHTGN Clubs; of which 14/26 districts, towns and cities have covered the Clubs in communes, wards and towns; 22 communes, wards and towns have covered the Clubs in villages and neighborhoods. Leading the way is Trieu Son district with 105 Clubs, this is also the district with the highest number of LTHTGN Clubs in the country.

According to the assessment of the Provincial Association of the Elderly, the LTHTGN clubs operate in accordance with the number, structure of members, volunteers, and executive committees according to regulations; maintain a regular monthly activity regime and closely follow the prescribed content, are practical, diverse in form, have the ability to spread, attract, and have become an indispensable need of members. The activities of the clubs are quite comprehensive in 8 content areas, bringing practical effects in caring for and promoting the role of the elderly. Cultural, artistic, and sports activities are strongly developed in the clubs with many works created by the members themselves; 100% of the clubs have art teams, groups, and volleyball teams.

It is noteworthy that at the LTHTGN Clubs, charitable activities, helping members, the elderly, and disadvantaged people in the community are promoted. Each club has a volunteer team providing home care and a volunteer team providing resource support and economic development (3 to 5 people/team). Over the years, thousands of people in particularly difficult and unfortunate circumstances in the community have been cared for at home by volunteers, helped with household chores, housework, farming, health care, and spiritual and emotional encouragement...

The achievements of the LTHTGN Club in the province not only contribute positively to the implementation of the task of socio-economic development in the locality, but also enhance the effectiveness of the emulation movement "Old age - bright example", affirming the position and role of the association and the elderly in the community; helping the elderly, especially those in difficult circumstances, to eliminate inferiority complexes and have more joy in life.

Article and photos: Thanh Hue

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/hieu-qua-hoat-dong-cua-cau-lac-bo-nbsp-lien-the-he-tu-giup-nhau-251051.htm