Replicating the model to connect and share

Mrs. Nguyen Thi M. (Loc Dien, Phu Loc) is 86 years old this year. Not only is her health getting worse, Mrs. M. is also facing many difficulties due to her single status and lack of support. For over a year now, Mrs. M.'s small house has had the warmth of care and attention. That is a timely source of encouragement from members of the local LTHTGN Club.

Mrs. M. was moved: “For me, being cared for and asked about is a great joy in my old age. I am often sick, so the care is even more meaningful. I thank the members of the LTHTGN Club very much for coming and encouraging me when I needed it most.”

The person who visits Mrs. M. the most is Ms. Lien Huong. With many years of experience as a village health worker and also a member of the Dong An - Su Lo LTHTGN Club, Ms. Huong has the conditions and experience to regularly visit Mrs. M. to inquire about her health and encourage her spirit. Ms. Huong said: "I feel happy and meaningful when I have the knowledge to be able to observe Mrs. M.'s health. I hope that the visits and encouragement will help Mrs. M. to be happier and more optimistic in her old age."

According to Mr. Huynh Huu Vien, Chairman of the Dong An - Su Lo Elderly Care Club, in addition to visiting and encouraging lonely and disadvantaged elderly people like Ms. M., the members of the club also support elderly people with difficulties and illnesses through many different forms. "Currently, the club has 30% of its members being young people, this is the core force that is quick, enthusiastic and regularly supports local elderly men and women," said Mr. Vien.

Mr. Nguyen Van Lam, Head of the Representative Board of the Elderly Association of Phu Loc district, said that currently, Phu Loc district has 8 communes that have established the LTHTGN Club, namely Loc Bon, Loc Son, Loc An, Loc Dien communes, Phu Loc town, Loc Tri, Loc Tien, Loc Binh. In particular, Loc Dien commune has 2 clubs: Dong An - Su Lo Club and Mieu Nha village Club.

Mr. Lam added: “Through the practical activities of the clubs in the district, we see that this is a humane and effective model, bringing practical benefits to the community, especially the elderly in the locality. In addition to being supported and improved in terms of economy, health, and spirit, the clubs also organize charitable activities, provide loans, and care for the sick, helping the elderly have the motivation to overcome difficulties.”

Not only Phu Loc district, with the aim of improving the quality of material and spiritual life, taking care of health, reducing poverty, protecting the rights of the elderly, more and more LTHTGN Clubs are being established.

Mr. Ho Viet Le, Head of the Provincial Elderly Association Representative Board, said: “The Central Association has organized 2 training courses to implement the Project to replicate the LTHTGN Club model for nearly 100 Elderly Association officials. In addition, with the coordination of the Elderly Association Representative Board in localities, 25 clubs have been trained in a timely manner. Thereby, increasing the effectiveness of the work of guiding and surveying the establishment of clubs, and at the same time considering and guiding the procedures for recognizing and launching more LTHTGN Clubs.”

Currently, there are 40 LTHTGN Clubs in the province. Many of them lend capital to their members for production and business, organize cultural and sports activities, visit, encourage and help each other in a timely manner. In addition to implementing well the activities of caring for the elderly, promoting, developing and replicating the LTHTGN Club model is a humane and practical activity, thereby creating a second home for the elderly, where they can share, support their spirit, health and help each other to earn a living.

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