On 6th October 2016, the Center for Economic Development Studies (CEDS), VNU University of Economics and Business – a coordinating partner of the Thriive program in Hanoi, organized the very first group repayment for the society within the first 10 year of operation.
Thriive Hanoi is a program started in 2005 by Thriive US, in collaboration with the CEDS, which aims at helping businesses to develop, thereby creating more jobs and positive social impacts. Thriive supports small and medium enterprises with a non-interest loan from USD 5,000 to USD 10,000 per business for the purchase of machineries. The loan will be repaid in 2 years by 2 methods: conducting free training courses, and donating free products or services of their own businesses to a vulnerable community.
The event occurred at Dong Xuan commune, Quoc Oai district, Ha Noi. As conducting repayment for Thriive, 5 businesses brought their own products to give for disadvantaged people in this area: Vietnamese pork sausage from 24h Cuisine, fresh mushroom from HandsViet, set of bowls from An Do ceramics, school bags from VinhPhat garment and winter coats from Lorenz tailoring. This was the first time that poor people in this community receive such strong support.
In the event, there were attendances of Ms. Linn Kincannon – Representative of Thriive US, coordinators of Thriive Hanoi, CEDS staff, other Thriive businesses and local authorities as well as people of Dong Xuan commune.
This group repayment event brought great meaning to the poor people at Dong Xuan commune, Quoc Oai district. Such an event serves to grow the sense of pride and the charitable spirit felt by Thriive businesses owners.
Feeling touched by the generosity of Thriive donations, and for the kindness and compassion bestowed by Thriive businesses and the CEDS, Ms. Hong Van, a beneficiary, shared: “For all time of my life, until now, I have never had any mushroom. I have 2 kids. They are all having leukemia. My husband cannot find a job because he must spend 10 days per month in the hospital. We earn living by raising chickens and grow rice. I am very thankful to you for coming here and giving us a lot of things.”
At the end of the event, representatives of local authorities expressed their gratitude and hope that such meaningful activities will be expanded in the future.
Ngoc Quynh (CEDS)
