| 1. Original Situation of the Locality |
Situated on a sandy area of Tan An Village, Ham Tan District, the place
has had no privileges concerning agricultural production. There are no
fertile rice fields, and cultivable lands are generally a long way from
home.
After the historic events in May 1975, lots of families had to move away
in order to get a better living, but many others accepted staying in a
miserable situation. Broken roads and bridges -the remains of the civil
war- were badly damaged, and the people were only living on tapioca, without
practically any cash economy.
Thanks to the open policy that begun after 1986, Japa Vietnam was one of
the pioneer foreign groups that tried to help Vietnamese people develop
in economic, cultural and social fields. Tan An village, thanks to the
introduction of Bishop Nicholas Huynh van Nghi, was one of the places in
Ham Tan benefiting most from Japa Vietnam's assistance.
| 2. Projects in Tan Tao Financed by Japa Vietnam |
a) Restoration of the only bridge leading to cultivable lands.
We managed to restore the broken initial bridge, adding a new span thanks
to the dynamic and generous cooperation of all parish families. Moreover
we repaired the main vital road crossing the bridge and other ramification
roads in the village. The project has provided people with easier communication,
especially to transport agricultural products from the fields.
b) Educational project.
A school was built in the following year. Apart from religious teaching,
we are interested in helping youth develop other mental activities, such
as music and organ teaching; in particular, teaching illiterate teenagers
to read and write and to learn basic arithmetic. The results are still
modest but encouraging in perspective.
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c). Cow Raising Bank.
Beginning May 1999, this project has provided 40 poorest families with
cows for each. Such families that, because of their extreme poverty, were
previously used to raise cows for others without much income own now their
private cows. After a year, we have now about 30 more young cows. The beneficiaries
can also get better agricultural products from cow waste.
d). Concrete Changes in the Community.
Although the total support given by Japa Vietnam was limited and unsatisfactory
from the expectations of the villagers it has had dynamic effects. The
assistance has motivated the community to make improvements in the village.
As a result:
- 35 per cent of all families could build a relatively solid house
- 23 children are attending various university courses and 72 others are
in high school
- Many families have got a television and several others a motor bike
- There are almost no longer starving people
- Various charity small groups have been formed to take care of sick or
lonely elders, and even the parish children are taking part in this work.
Conclusion
We wish, on behalf of the whole community, to address our grateful greetings
to Japa Vietnam and all their benefactors who have shared their happiness
to give generously to unknown people in need. With best wishes,
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