A farmer harvest mushroom. Her family is one among many households benefited from the fund. — VNS Photo

Over 5,000 households with over 20,000 people in many provinces and cities have benefited from Poverty Reduction Support Fund since it was set up 13 years ago.

The microfinance project, funded by BAT company to the tune of VNĐ1.6 billion through Hà Noi Moi (New Ha Noi) newspaper since 2004, has been carried out in places like Hai Phong, Bac Giang, Ha Noi, Quang Tri, HCM City, and Long An.

The project supports local hunger elimination programmes to gradually create a stable life for poor people and help them save enough money to start a business.

Nguyen Hoang Hue Linh, senior corporate communication & CSR manager of BAT Vietnam, said: “Community-oriented projects like the Poverty Reduction Support Fund have left a good impression on many people as they have helped thousands of families overcome poverty while their children could continue their schooling.

“After 13 years of implementation, the project has recouped its capital in Hai Phong, Bac Giang, Ha Noi and Quang Tri to continue with community projects in other localities.”

Last week the newspaper worked with the Women’s Union in Cu Chi District of HCM City and Long An Province to assess the outcomes of the microfinance project.

Over the years the fund has lent VND500 million without interest to more than 500 households in the localities, helping them improve farming and escape poverty. — VNS