Creating sustainable livelihoods for the Co Lao people

Tan Tien commune currently has 234 households with 1,175 Co Lao people living in 8 villages. Previously, most households faced many difficulties, unstable production, and monotonous livelihood models. Since accessing support from Program 1719, the material and spiritual life of the people has clearly changed.

The community group preserving brocade embroidery and traditional costume sewing of the Co Lao ethnic group in Ta Chai village, Tan Tien commune was supported with sewing machines to better serve their work.

One of the highly appreciated models is supporting livelihoods through raising buffalo and cows. Great joy came to the family of Mr. Min Su Sin, Ta Chai village, in July 2024 when they received support to buy 4 cows from the capital of Program 1719. After more than 1 year, the herd of cows has now grown to 4 more. Mr. Sin shared: “Before, we worked on the fields all year round but were still poor. Since having breeding cows, and being guided by veterinary staff to vaccinate and care for them, the herd of cows has grown well. The food source around the house is abundant, so raising them is not difficult. I believe that in a few years, my family will be stable and escape poverty sustainably.”

Since the beginning of 2024, Tan Tien commune has received more than 100 breeding buffaloes and cows from the 1719 Program to give to poor and near-poor households. Along with breeding animals, households have also been trained in breeding techniques, disease prevention, and instructions on building barns, helping to ensure long-term effectiveness.

Not only focusing on developing agricultural production, Program 1719 also focuses on supporting livelihoods associated with cultural preservation, a direction that is considered suitable for the Co Lao people. At the end of 2024, from the program's funding, the Community Group for Preserving Brocade Embroidery and Traditional Costume Making was established in Ta Chai village with 12 members.

The group was supported with 8 electronic sewing machines, 2 embroidery machines and full set of tools. Thanks to that, the brocade embroidery profession, which was in danger of disappearing, has been revived in a more professional way. Ms. Giang Thi Dua, a member of the group, said: “In the past, we only sewed when we had free time, mainly to serve our families. Since the group was established, equipped with machines and product consumption support, I have an income of 5-6 million VND per month. I can both preserve the traditional profession and have money to raise my children, I am really happy.”

Comrade Bui Thanh Huong, Vice Chairman of Tan Tien Commune People's Committee, said: "From the very first days of implementation, the commune has proactively reviewed and clearly identified beneficiaries, and selected models suitable to local realities. Program 1719 not only provides people with specific breeds or production models, but more importantly, gives them confidence and motivation to overcome difficulties and escape poverty. Each household receiving support and each effective economic model is a vivid demonstration of the correct and humane policies of the Party and State."

The remarkable changes in Tan Tien in recent years have shown the practical effectiveness of the 1719 Program in supporting ethnic minorities. From small-scale production models, the Co Lao people have gradually approached science and technology, expanded their livelihoods and increased their incomes. The support projects from the Program not only create a lever for economic development but also add confidence for people to strive to build a more stable and sustainable life.

Comment (0)