"Banks in the villages"

With its core values ​​of "closeness, friendliness, and effectiveness," Thanh Hoa Microfinance Organization (MFO) is not only a provider of financial services but is also seen as a companion to its clients, particularly poor, near-poor, and vulnerable households, bringing confidence and motivation to clients, especially women and low-income households in rural and mountainous areas.

The core values ​​that the TCVM organization strives for are "closeness, friendliness, and effectiveness".

Distinguished by its approachability, dedication, and responsibility.

In today's financial ecosystem, banks and financial institutions are focusing their resources on improving service quality, putting the customer at the center, and viewing it as a competition of reputation and brand. Following this trend, on its journey of development, Thanh Hoa Microfinance Institution (TCVM) strives to provide practical and effective financial services with a "close, friendly, and efficient" approach.

One of the biggest differentiating factors contributing to the reputation, brand, and success of TCVM Thanh Hoa is the working style of its credit officers. Instead of waiting for customers to approach them, they proactively visit homes, inquire about the situation, and provide direct advice to each household. These credit officers are not just employees providing loans; they are also people who listen, empathize, and share the difficulties faced by customers. TCVM Thanh Hoa's target customers are poor, low-income, and disadvantaged households. Undeterred by difficulties, these dedicated TCVM officers help customers complete loan applications, provide useful advice on effective loan utilization, from building household economic development models to expanding businesses or starting new ventures. Their approachability and friendliness have gradually bridged the gap between a financial institution and its customers.

Unlike traditional banks that require customers to visit a branch to complete loan application procedures, receive funds, and repay debts, the Thanh Hoa Microfinance Organization brings all transactions directly to the village cultural center or a convenient location near the customer. This is especially significant for people in remote areas where transportation is difficult and limited. Bringing services directly to the customer not only saves time and costs but also creates convenience and peace of mind when working directly with credit officers in their local area.

Recalling her first days working in the mountainous district of Cam Thuy, Ms. Pham Thi Tuyen, a credit officer of the Thanh Hoa Microfinance Organization, shared: “Those were days of scorching sun, winding and bumpy roads leading me from the small town to the remote villages nestled in the mountains. Looking at the pristine landscape, the low-lying houses nestled against the hills, I felt both excited and apprehensive, wondering what I could do to help the people here.”

From the specific nature of her work and the target customer base, Ms. Tuyen understands better than anyone that the job of a microfinance credit officer is not just about providing loans, but also about a journey of connection, listening, sharing, and accompanying customers. The road to the remote villages is not easy. On sunny days, dust clings to the road as it winds its way up steep slopes. On rainy days, the road becomes muddy, and sometimes she has to stop the car and walk a long distance to reach the villagers' homes. Ms. Tuyen recounted: "Once, I went to a remote village to advise a family who wanted to borrow capital to develop livestock farming."

Heavy rain made the road muddy, and my motorbike got stuck in the middle of the road. I had to leave my motorbike at a nearby house and walk more than 3 kilometers on the slippery, muddy road to reach my client's home. When I stepped into that small house and saw the hopeful look in their eyes, I forgot all my fatigue. That's how we microfinance officers are; our greatest joy and pride is when loan capital arrives in time and is used effectively to help our clients realize their dreams.”

When the efforts bear fruit.

It is this difference in approach and service that has helped TCVM build trust and spread strongly within the community. Poor, low-income, and vulnerable people in society often have limited access to loans from commercial banks. But with TCVM, they have found a place to entrust their hope. Small but practical and timely loans have helped many households obtain capital for business and production, thereby increasing their income, escaping poverty, gradually improving their quality of life, and opening up opportunities for the future.

Ms. Bui Thi Ha from Thach Thanh district is a loyal customer who has gone through four loan cycles with the Thanh Hoa Microfinance Organization. Ms. Ha said: “Before participating in the loan program, my family was a poor household living in the mountains, far from other households. We lacked capital for production but didn't know where to borrow from, and we didn't have anything to use to apply for loans from commercial banks. Since the Thanh Hoa Microfinance Organization came here, the loan officers haven't required collateral and have guided me on how to use the loan effectively and how to save so that I can use a portion of my income to repay the loan. I borrowed to buy ginseng seedlings to plant. Each ginseng harvest season, my family has an income to continue investing and improving our lives. Gradually, my family's life has improved. I am very happy and will continue to participate in the loan program to expand the model further.”

The story of Ms. Bui Thi Ha is just one of tens of thousands of clients that Thanh Hoa Microfinance Institution (MFI) has provided loans to. From this foundation, many inspiring stories of resilience in overcoming poverty and building better lives have been written. MFIs in general, and Thanh Hoa MFI in particular, are not just financial service providers, but a close-knit, humane model deeply rooted in community spirit. The biggest difference of MFIs lies in their dedicated approach, flexible organizational methods, and always prioritizing the interests of their clients. The values ​​that MFIs bring are not only in loan amounts or charitable programs, but also in trust, timely support, and positive life changes, contributing to the happiness of the poor, low-income, and vulnerable in society...

Text and photos: Hoang Linh

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/ngan-hang-tai-lang-231367.htm