Southeast Asia Information Port (www.dnyxxg.com) – As one of the three national pilot areas selected by the Central Committee of the Vietnam Red Cross for the "Compassionate Communities - Connecting Hearts" program, Nghe An province has focused its 2026 "Humanitarian Month" activities on livelihood empowerment, striving to enhance the self-reliance and development capabilities of people in impoverished areas.
In May 2026, the Nghe An Provincial Red Cross set a humanitarian aid fundraising target of approximately VND 8 billion, focusing on assisting impoverished groups and vulnerable populations. According to the activity plan, in addition to routine community health care, blood donation, and charitable projects, this year's core focus is on supporting the development of sustainable livelihood industries for people in impoverished areas. The "Compassionate Communities - Connecting Hearts" demonstration model implemented in Lu Phong Village, Huong Duong Commune, has become a highlight of this Humanitarian Month activities.
According to the assistance arrangements, all impoverished families in the area will receive special livelihood support funds and resources, and impoverished and disadvantaged students will also be eligible to apply for scholarships and related learning materials, providing comprehensive basic livelihood security.
Tran Si Phat, Director of the Disaster Management Department of the Central Committee of the Vietnam Red Cross, stated that the organizing committee selected three representative impoverished areas—Nghe An, Tuyen Quang, and An Quang—to conduct pilot programs, aiming to explore livelihood assistance models that are adaptable and replicable to local conditions.
Unlike previous one-off, short-term material assistance, the 2026 "Humanitarian Month" adopts a new assistance concept, focusing on building sustainable livelihood development channels for disadvantaged groups. Compared to temporary relief, long-term livelihood support models have a more far-reaching impact, especially suitable for the development needs of mountainous areas and regions prone to natural disasters. Local people can leverage their local resources to participate in industries such as specialty planting, ecological farming, and traditional handicrafts, achieving diversified income growth and steadily improving their living standards. The Vietnam Red Cross stated that it is committed to building more resilient, safe, and stable livable communities, enhancing the public's comprehensive ability to cope with climate change, natural disasters, and public health risks.
Nguyen Hai Anh, Vice Chairman and Secretary-General of the Central Committee of the Vietnam Red Cross, introduced that livelihood assistance public welfare projects have been carried out for many years, relying on "cattle banks," free distribution of seedlings and seedlings, delivery of fertilizers, and popularization of production techniques. Entering its twelfth term, the Red Cross's assistance focus has been further upgraded and transformed: from traditional direct material donations to long-term, comprehensive, and precise assistance. While providing material support, it simultaneously disseminates professional knowledge, production skills, and business management methods to help people acquire sustainable income-generating abilities and achieve a stable and long-term livelihood.
At the same time, this humanitarian assistance incorporates the concept of green development, requiring humanitarian public welfare activities to not only help increase people's economic income but also consider ecological and environmental protection, working together to build a safe, livable, and mutually supportive social environment.
It is understood that the "Compassionate Communities - Connecting Hearts" pilot model, launched during the 2026 Humanitarian Month, has been listed as the starting point for Vietnam's 2026-2031 key project, **"Safe Communities - Ready to Respond to Disasters"**. According to the overall plan of the Vietnam Red Cross Central Committee, this model will be piloted simultaneously in the three provinces and cities of Nghe An, Tuyen Quang, and An Giang, covering the central, northern, and southern regions of Vietnam respectively, accumulating experience for nationwide promotion. (End)
