The “Charity rice granary” model, first launched in 2016 by the Women’s Union in Lơ Pang commune, encourages each household to contribute rice during harvest season, with better-off families donating up to 50 kg.
The collected rice is stored and distributed to disadvantaged members during the lean season. Those who can repay may borrow rice, ensuring the cycle continues sustainably.
According to Ms. Hnhen, Vice Chairwoman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee and President of the Lơ Pang Commune Women’s Union, the model has expanded to 16 of the commune’s 20 union branches. Any surplus rice at the end of each year is sold to raise funds for union activities, strengthening both solidarity and financial stability.
A similar initiative flourishes in Kon Chiêng commune, where the Ktu Village Women’s Union has turned rice-sharing into a community tradition.
Each member contributes about 20 kg of rice from their family harvest to support those in need. During the difficult months of July and August, the granary opens to provide 15-20 kg of rice to struggling families.
“Since the establishment of the ‘Charity rice granary,’ members have actively maintained it,” said Ms. Tiỡi, Head of the Ktu Village Women’s Union. “Beyond supporting poor households, the rice also serves village festivals and communal events”. Recently, the Ktu branch collected more than one ton of rice, aiding dozens of women in need.
Meanwhile, in Klah village of Kon Chiêng commune, women have operated the “Labor exchange for fundraising” model for over two decades. The Klah Village Women’s Union, composed entirely of Bana members, organizes five work-exchange groups of 18–35 members each. Participants help one another for two hours daily, after which the host pays each worker 5,000 VND (about USD 0.20).
“The collected wages are contributed to the group’s fund,” explained Ms. Djuinh, Head of the Klah Village Women’s Union. “This model ensures that every household, especially those facing illness or lacking labor, receives timely support”.
The union also cultivates community land to generate income. Since 2020, Klah’s women have farmed 1.3 hectares, earning nearly 100 million VND (about USD 3,950) in total revenue to fund women’s movement activities and provide loans to members.
Following suit, the Ktu Village Women’s Union manages one hectare of cassava fields, yielding around 15 million VND (about USD 590) annually, which finances loans and local activities. The branch also maintains its own labor exchange network with nearly 100 active members.
“For households lacking labor or facing hardship, others volunteer to work for free”, Ms. Tiỡi added. “Together, we help one another stabilize our lives and build a stronger community”.
