Dong Ngac Ward: Compassion and responsibility ignite the flame of well-being.

There are places that are named not only by their administrative place names but also by memories and the quiet human connection that has endured through the years. Dong Ngac Ward, a land along the Red River, is one such place.

There, poverty reduction efforts are not measured by statistics, but by renovated homes, helping hands held together in times of hardship, and lives that were once precarious but are now standing firm. Throughout this journey, the Veterans Association and the Women's Union of the ward have always worked together, writing a beautiful story of compassion and responsibility towards those who are disadvantaged and struggling in life.

From soldiers continuing a new " war" ...

In 2025, amidst a volatile global and domestic situation, harsh weather conditions, and the continued hardship faced by some segments of the population, the Veterans Association of Dong Ngac Ward, with the qualities of Uncle Ho's soldiers, continues its silent "war" against poverty, backwardness, and the risk of livelihood disruption. For the veterans here, poverty reduction is not just a assigned task, but also stems from their heartfelt dedication and enthusiasm. More than anyone else, they understand the value of camaraderie and mutual support in times of hardship.

Sharing on this issue, Chairman of the Dong Ngac Ward Veterans Association, Le Van Vinh, said that in implementing Project 03/DA-CCB of the Hanoi City Veterans Association Executive Committee on "Supporting and assisting veteran members in difficult circumstances, repairing dilapidated houses, and charitable activities," the Dong Ngac Ward Veterans Association mobilized 2,160 cadres and members to contribute a total of over 1.6 billion VND. Each donation was not only material but also represented the trust and encouragement of veterans to their comrades. From this resource, many members have gained additional support to overcome the most difficult period of their lives, when they are old and frail, when their family finances are precarious, and when their old houses are no longer sturdy enough to withstand the elements.

According to Mr. Le Van Vinh, for the Veterans Association of Dong Ngac Ward, sustainable poverty reduction is not just about relief, but more importantly, about providing livelihoods. The Association has effectively maintained and managed 11 savings and loan groups, creating conditions for 68 households to borrow from the Social Policy Bank, enabling them to find jobs, earn a livelihood, and stabilize their lives. What is commendable is that throughout this process, the loan groups have operated in an orderly manner, with no outstanding or bad debts, and the borrowed capital has been used for its intended purpose, yielding practical results.

Leaders of Dong Ngac ward visited and presented gifts to families of cadres who were captured and imprisoned by the enemy, and families who contributed to the revolution in the area, on the occasion of National Day, September 2nd. Photo: BH

In addition to bank loans, the Association has also established an internal fund at the association and its branches totaling over 1.3 billion VND, averaging 500,000 VND per member. This internal fund is used to provide low-interest loans to members to develop their family businesses. Thanks to these generous funds, many member families have been able to expand their production and small-scale trading, stabilizing their lives.

That's the path the soldiers of yesteryear chose: not giving but offering opportunities, not providing temporary support but standing by for the long term.

In addition, the Ward Veterans Association has done a good job in showing camaraderie and gratitude to its members, organizing visits, New Year greetings, giving gifts, and encouraging policy beneficiaries, wounded soldiers, sick soldiers, victims of Agent Orange, and veteran members with difficult circumstances, and taking care of the lives of its officials and members.

...to women who are dedicated to helping each other escape poverty.

If veterans are a solid pillar of support, then the Women's Union of Dong Ngac Ward is also a silent flame warming every home. In the small corners of life, where women bear the burden of both earning a living and caring for their families, the Women's Union of the ward has listened to the thoughts and aspirations of each member, and from there, persistently accompanied, listened to, and supported them. A highlight of the Women's Union of the ward in the past year was helping 159 households escape near-poverty and improve their living standards.

Nguyen Thi Thuan, Chairwoman of the Dong Ngac Ward Women's Union, shared that through models supporting women's economic development, skills training courses, and savings and mutual assistance movements, the Union has helped many women gradually become more confident in business and trade, rising out of poverty. Many near-poor families have improved their income thanks to the hard work and perseverance of the women – those who "keep the rhythm" of the economy and also maintain family happiness.

Poverty reduction, therefore, is not just about income, but also about the self-confidence and stability of women in their families and communities. When women have stable livelihoods, their families will be more stable, and when families are stable, the community will be more resilient.

These quiet efforts have yielded "sweet fruits" in the journey of maintaining social welfare for the Women's Union of Dong Ngac Ward. In 2025, the Union successfully managed nearly 90 billion VND of capital from the Social Policy Bank; supporting nearly 1,000 women in borrowing capital for economic development.

Furthermore, the "Women's Group for Mutual Economic Development in Growing and Caring for Ornamental Kumquat Trees" model has become a channel for creating stable jobs for 40 members and 50 workers, with incomes ranging from 5-6 million VND per month; providing job counseling and placement services for nearly 1000 workers, and helping dozens of women start businesses. The association also maintains and enhances the effectiveness of "Following Uncle Ho's Example" models, such as launching the "Saving Money in Plastic Piggy Banks" movement at the branches; the "Charity Rice Jar" model has collected over 2,000 kg of rice worth nearly 45 million VND, helping 112 women and children in difficult circumstances.

Leaders of Dong Ngac ward visited and presented gifts to families of cadres who were captured and imprisoned by the enemy, and families who contributed to the revolution in the area, on the occasion of National Day, September 2nd. Photo: BH

The Association and its 52 branches also actively mobilized social resources to care for and support policy beneficiary families, poor women's association member families, disabled women, orphaned children in difficult circumstances, humanitarian aid, charity, and the military's rear support... with a total amount exceeding 370 million VND. Of this, the Association built/renovated two shelters for two disadvantaged member families with a total cost of 80 million VND; and supported and assisted orphaned children in difficult circumstances in the ward through various measures such as: connecting with and sponsoring them, giving gifts on Children's Day, Mid-Autumn Festival, and the start of the new school year...

In response to the "Godmother" program, the Association continues to receive and connect sponsors for 9 children, each receiving 54 million VND in support. In addition, the Association also donated gifts, rice, and health insurance cards to 108 female members and 10 disabled women in difficult circumstances, with a total value of over 70 million VND; and provided gifts during holidays and Tet (Lunar New Year) to hundreds of female members and children in difficult circumstances...

Reducing hardship and preventing re-poverty in Dong Ngac ward is a blend of the resilience of soldiers, the perseverance of women, and the solidarity of the entire community. From renovated roofs and effectively utilized loans to bright smiles as lives gradually stabilize, all are testaments to a kind and sustainable approach. Looking ahead, the demands of the task are increasing, and the new challenges of urbanization and an aging population pose many pressures, but with the foundation of compassion already cultivated, Dong Ngac ward believes that the journey of poverty reduction will continue to be written with beautiful stories.

In that place, the soldiers of yesteryear still uphold their oath of brotherhood, and the women of today silently keep the family flame alive. Amidst the changing times, Dong Ngac continues to move forward through sharing and the goal of leaving no one behind. The coordination between the Veterans Association, the Women's Union, the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of the ward, and other organizations has created a synchronized network to best care for the people. Gifts during holidays and Tet, visits to struggling families, tears of sharing in times of hardship… all contribute to a deeply humane social welfare network, where care and love are the foundation for supporting and empowering the vulnerable.

Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/phuong-dong-ngac-nghia-tinh-trach-nhiem-thap-lua-an-sinh-727448.html