COCOA Projects in Vietnam

 

The Food Aid Program was established in 2009 to assist the poorest of the ethnic minority families to cope with the effects of the economic downturn. International Disaster Emergency Services (IDES, a ministry of Churches of Christ in the US) provided a generous donation in June towards this program. Donations from IDES were sufficient to provide food packs to 150 families for eight months. In January the program was concluded and the final food package was distributed. The crisis is abating and the lives of the poor are returning to some degree of normality. Many compliments were received from both the recipients and from members of the Province, District and Village People’s Committees for the concern expressed for these struggling villagers at this time.

 

The Lunar New Year (TET), celebrated early February, is the only holiday period extending for more than one day in Vietnam. Government departments close for 4-5 days; hospitals and schools for about two weeks. COCOA provides a food hamper at TET as a gift to members of the People’s Committees in appreciation of the assistance they have given throughout the year. Each Lunar New Year we have an agreement to distribute 200 food packs for poor minority families. COCOA is contributing to this through the COCOA Great Gifts catalogue.

 

The aim is to complete a minimum of five more houses in 2010. Funds for the water projects will be directed towards the Dong Phu and Hon Quan districts this year.