Saving model to buy smartphone

Launching a savings model to buy smartphones in An Ngai Trung commune, Ba Tri district.

Replicating and spreading the model

In 2022, the Women's Union of Son Dinh commune, Cho Lach district, for the first time, implemented the model of "Saving to buy smartphones". Stemming from the urgent need for digital transformation, especially the breakthrough of "Application of information technology in Union activities" for the 2021 - 2026 term, this model was born with the goal of helping disadvantaged women have access to technological equipment for the activities of branches, groups, studying, updating information and improving the quality of union work at the grassroots level.

From Plan No. 22 and No. 29 of the Women's Union of Cho Lach district, the model was concretized by establishing 2 revolving capital contribution groups in Son Dinh commune with 27 members. Each month, women contribute from 300 - 500 thousand VND to take turns supporting the purchase of phones for members who do not have the conditions. By the end of 2022, 6 women had been supported with a total amount of more than 33 million VND. Although the number is still modest, the model has touched the hearts of many people.

“At first, the women were hesitant, saying that they were old and did not need to use smartphones, and that they would not know how to use them. But I patiently guided them, set an example, and taught them step by step. When they saw that they could take photos, send reports, watch the association’s activities on Zalo, and read the news, everyone was excited and signed up to participate,” recalls Duong Thi My So, President of the Women’s Union of Son Dinh Commune.

After the initial success in Son Dinh, the model was quickly replicated in other districts and cities. To date, the province has established 211 women's savings groups with 3,099 members, supporting the purchase of 1,631 smartphones. Although these numbers are not large compared to actual needs, they are enough to demonstrate the positive spread and high applicability of an initiative that is close, practical, and closely related to rural conditions.

Each locality has a flexible and creative way of doing things. In Giong Trom district, from 2023 to now, the Women's Union has established 62 savings groups with 830 members, supporting the purchase of 706 smartphones. Particularly in Hung Le commune, women save by collecting plastic waste, dried coconuts, scrap metal, etc. Although the form of contribution is simple, it brings great value. 6 groups have been formed, supporting 52 members with new devices, helping them to be proactive in studying, communicating and doing business.

In Ba Tri district, the movement has also developed strongly with 22 savings groups, 762 members and 302 equipped phones. In Vinh An commune, the model of contributing capital from selling scrap in rotation has helped 13/29 women to be supported to buy phones in just a few months.

Not only does the model help women connect information and manage their branches and groups more conveniently, it is also a way for women to approach digital transformation naturally. From being unfamiliar with technology, many women have learned to access the internet, learn, shop or do business online, use online public services, and develop basic digital skills.

Contribute to promoting digital transformation

Currently, 100% of districts, cities and grassroots associations in the province have deployed a total of over 350 activities and models of applying information technology to association work. All specialized association officials at all levels have been updated on digital transformation knowledge. 100% of grassroots associations are equipped with their own computers to serve management, data synthesis and operation. In particular, 1,118 branch presidents and deputy branch presidents are proficient in using smartphones at work.

Another highlight is the integration of digital transformation into credit policy. Each women's union member and 100% of current borrowers are guided to open a payment account, contributing to promoting cashless payments and convenient use of banking services.

With the goal of popularizing digital skills for people, especially the elderly, rural women, and the disadvantaged, the Provincial Party Committee has issued a plan to implement the movement "Popular digital education". The model of "Saving to buy smartphones" is identified by the Provincial Women's Union as an important part of that journey. Because, to learn digital skills, first of all, you need equipment and conditions to access technology.

Chairwoman of the Provincial Women's Union Nguyen Thi Kim Thoa affirmed: "We hope that every woman in the province will have a smartphone - not only a means of connection, but also a door to a world of learning, sharing and self-development. That is the path to universalizing digital knowledge, enhancing the capacity of each member, contributing to the goal of comprehensive digital transformation of the province and the whole country."

It can be seen that the model of "Saving to buy a smartphone" although still modest in scale, has been bringing positive changes in the awareness, habits and skills of women. Each phone not only helps connect information, but also connects learning opportunities, starting a business and affirming one's own value. Ben Tre has been walking on the digital journey with a very real belief that successful digitalization is when each woman, with her own hands and heart, is able to access, learn and develop.

“In the coming time, the Women's Union at all levels will continue to develop this model in a more diverse way. At the same time, we will promote training in phone usage skills, safe Internet access, use of online public services, and cashless payment applications...”.

(President of Provincial Women's Union Nguyen Thi Kim Thoa)

Article and photos: Minh Ngoc

Source: https://baodongkhoi.vn/mo-hinh-tiet-kiem-mua-dien-thoai-thong-minh-30052025-a147416.html