On November 25 and 26, a delegation from the Japanese government (JMOFA) and Save the Children (SCI) paid an important visit to Bac Yen district, Son La. The purpose of the trip was to monitor the progress and evaluate the effectiveness of the project “Improving the livelihoods of ethnic minorities in Son La province through agriculture and nutrition improvement” - a project funded by the Japanese government through SCI under Decision No. 1305/QD-UBND dated July 18, 2023 of the People's Committee of Son La province.

The visit took delegates to the villages where the project is being implemented in Chim Van and Lang Cheu communes. Here, they had the opportunity to participate in practical activities, such as direct dialogue with the community on gender equality issues, visiting families with children under 2 years old and pregnant women, as well as learning about health activities in Chim Van commune and the Lang Cheu commune Nutrition Rehabilitation Center.

After more than a year of implementation in Bac Yen and Sop Cop districts, the project has brought about encouraging results. Nearly 1,000 households have been supported with plant varieties, livestock, farming and aquaculture techniques, contributing to significantly improving nutritional conditions and increasing income through the sale of agricultural products. This is an important step forward in improving the quality of life for people in remote areas.

The initial successes have further motivated the Project Management Board to continue its efforts. In the coming time, they will focus on building production groups, calling for more support from donors to provide seeds, materials, fertilizers and technical training. In particular, the project will expand the scope of support to mothers with children under 24 months old in 3 communes: Chim Van, Lang Cheu, Xim Vang (Bac Yen district) and 3 communes: Muong Va, Pung Banh, Sam Kha (Sop Cop district).

The visit of the Japanese and SCI representatives is not only a normal monitoring activity, but also a demonstration of the effective cooperation between Vietnam and Japan in supporting socio-economic development and improving the quality of life for ethnic minorities in Son La. The "seeds of hope" sown today will contribute to creating a brighter future for future generations.