Elderly members of the Intergenerational Self-Help Club in Dan Dien commune visited the garden and learned about farming techniques and increasing production.

Bountiful "green seasons"

In the fresh air, we visited the gardens of the members of the Intergenerational Self-Help Club in Dan Dien commune. Throughout the gardens, plump pomelos, abundant longan clusters, ripe red persimmons, and oranges and tangerines were waiting to ripen.

At the garden of Mr. Tran Tang, the head of the club, we learned about another variety of ribbed gourd. This is a common, easy-to-grow plant with high economic and medicinal value. According to Mr. Tang, ribbed gourds can sell for one and a half times, or even twice as much (ranging from 20,000 to 25,000 VND/kg) as regular sweet gourds. Besides selling the fruit, the vines and leaves are also used to make a refreshing drink that cools the liver and detoxifies the body, which is popular with consumers. The bold shift to growing this new crop not only increases income but is also well-suited to the local soil conditions.

Meanwhile, Mr. Ho Van Vinh, head of Pho Lai village and an active member of the club, shared that with 1.5 acres of rice paddies, plus cassava, vegetables, and raising pigs, chickens, and ducks, he earns about 100 million VND per year. Thanks to the encouragement, sharing, and learning from the experiences of other club members, he boldly increased production and enthusiastically inspired the community with the motto "old age but not old strength."

A highlight of the Dan Dien commune's club activities is the strong bond and mutual learning among its members. Leveraging their knowledge and practical experience in cultivating and raising local produce, each member possesses unique strengths and readily shares their expertise, from seed selection and crop selection to cultivation techniques, pest control, fertilization, and even market access. This sharing not only contributes to economic growth but also provides immense spiritual value to the members.

"A pillar of support" for the elderly.

To date, 58 intergenerational self-help clubs have been established, with approximately 70% being elderly people, women, and those in difficult circumstances. The income-generating capital for these clubs in the city has been socialized, totaling over 1.7 billion VND.

The clubs implement eight practical activities: increasing income, healthcare, home care, community support, rights protection, raising awareness, mental well-being care, arts and culture - social interaction, and resource mobilization. To date, the City's Senior Citizens Association Representative Board has organized 70 training courses for clubs in residential areas, communes, and wards, with nearly 5,000 participants. The clubs also mobilize social resources and funds to provide loans to members for economic development and income increase.

From this fund, members in difficult circumstances are supported with loans to start businesses, rise out of poverty, improve their lives, and support the community. In addition, through a network of volunteers, the clubs regularly visit and support elderly people living alone and those who are ill, while also coordinating with local health authorities to ensure that the elderly are always prioritized in regular health check-ups and consultations.

Furthermore, connections with clubs such as table tennis, chess, Chinese chess, and health and wellness programs help the elderly find joy, live healthily, and stay connected with the community. The club's management board regularly develops specific annual activity plans and establishes specialized groups and teams tailored to the abilities and strengths of each member.

Mr. Ho Viet Le, Head of the City's Senior Citizens Association Representative Board, affirmed: "The Intergenerational Self-Help Club is a humane model with diverse activities, helping senior citizens increase their income, take care of their health, and promote their role in the family and society. This is a solid 'support' for senior citizens, contributing to building new rural areas, civilized urban areas, and preserving cultural traditions."

Text and photos: Phuoc Ly

Source: https://huengaynay.vn/chinh-polit-xa-hoi/an-sinh-xa-hoi/nhung-mua-xanh-moi-cua-nguoi-cao-tuoi-158343.html