Small capital to start a livelihood

Starting with small amounts of capital, many Khmer women in An Cu have developed livestock farming, creating stable incomes. The credit group model has helped expand livelihoods and gradually raise the living standards of local people.

Ms. Neang Nanh (far right) developed her livestock farming with a loan from the credit group. Photo: THANH TIEN

Based on practical needs

With nearly 70% of its population being Khmer people, An Cu commune has implemented many programs and projects to support the people's economic development. The Women's Union of An Cu commune advises the local Party committee and government on implementing many practical models such as: "Rice Jar of Compassion," savings groups for poor women, and livelihood funds for poor women. Among these, the savings and credit group model for purchasing shares implemented in Po Thi hamlet has yielded practical results.

According to Huynh Thi Say, Chairwoman of the Women's Union of An Cu Commune: “The model has been implemented since 2013 and has helped Khmer women improve their lives. Currently, the credit group has 28 members, meeting twice a month. During each meeting, the women purchase 1-5 shares depending on their ability, each share worth 50,000 VND. Each month, members of the group purchase 10-15 million VND worth of shares, supporting women who need loans to develop their family businesses.”

According to Ms. Huynh Thi Say, with interest rates of only 1-2% agreed upon by the group members, the women who receive support can easily repay their capital. If a member does not need to borrow, their shares will be saved until the end of the year, then the capital will be repaid, and the interest earned will be distributed to the member. “Since its establishment, the savings group has mobilized 200-250 million VND per year, supporting more than 50 Khmer women members to alleviate difficulties in their lives. By participating in this model, the women have additional capital to engage in small-scale trading and livestock farming to improve their income and rise out of poverty,” Ms. Say added.

Meeting the members of the Pô Thi hamlet's savings and credit group for purchasing shares revealed the joy on their faces. For a mountainous, ethnic minority area with difficult socio-economic conditions like An Cư commune, having access to capital to generate income is truly a "lifeline" for poor Khmer women. Therefore, the model has been supported by the women for the past 13 years, proving its practical effectiveness.

A great source of motivation

Having followed the model closely from the beginning, Ms. Chau Thi Thi - Head of the Savings and Credit Group for Share Purchases in Po Thi Hamlet - understands the benefits of these funds. “Many women have the funds to raise chickens, pigs, and cows to earn a profit. Everyone is excited to receive the capital. Thanks to this model, I myself raised 10 free-range chickens, and now the number has doubled, and I have repaid the loan on time,” Ms. Thi said happily.

Recognizing the practical benefits, many other members in Po Thi hamlet also applied to join the credit group. Ms. Chau Thi Pau used the capital to open a small grocery store at home. “In the countryside, it’s difficult to do anything, especially without capital. Thanks to the credit group, I was able to open a grocery store to improve my income. At the end of the year, I even get a little extra profit from the business. Although the income isn’t much, we’re all very happy,” Ms. Pau shared.

Visiting Ms. Neang Nanh, one can clearly see the joy of the women who have received financial support. Behind her house, a pair of cows are leisurely grazing under the scorching sun of late March. “I saved up some money plus borrowed capital from the credit group to buy these two cows. When they grow up, I'll sell one for profit and repay the credit group. With the profit, I'll buy another one,” Ms. Neang Nanh said.

In the gentle smile of that Khmer woman, I clearly saw her hope for the future. Although the loan wasn't large, it gave her the motivation to pursue her dreams. Her children would also be able to confidently go to school to learn to read and write.

“We will replicate the model of the Savings and Credit Group for purchasing shares in Po Thi hamlet to other hamlets, as well as among members of the Women's Union of An Cu commune. In reality, this model is very practical, helping women both take care of their families and earn extra income. With the support and active participation of members, we believe the model will develop even better in the future,” said Huynh Thi Say, President of the Women's Union of An Cu commune.

THANH TIEN

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/von-nho-mo-sinh-ke-a480804.html