People-Led Development (PLD) is a program led by Caritas Đà Lạt accompanies underprivileged communities underprivileged communities. It is a long-term collective process in which community members commit to taking action to bring about positive changes in their lives, communities, and society. The program aims to address their needs and tackle the root causes of their problems, working towards sustainable development that is also environmentally friendly.
The program began with a vibrant traditional dance performance by the Đạ Tông dance group, bringing a joyful atmosphere and a sense of pride in the local culture. Following this lively start, Father John Bosco Hoàng Văn Chính, the Vicar General and Director of Đà Lạt Caritas, delivered an opening speech. He expressed gratitude for the journey so far, inspired the spirit of community, and called everyone to unite in pursuing the common mission.
Immediately afterward, a presentation of guestbooks to the communities took place, accompanied by meaningful wishes from the leadership team. These books are not just gifts but also "gateways" to heartfelt impressions and objective feedback from visitors. The entries written in these books will become valuable resources, accompanying the communities, helping them reflect on their journey, draw lessons learned, and shape their development in the future.
THE SPECIAL FASHION SHOW PERFORMANCE
A new feature of the program was a creative twist on reviewing the year's activities, transformed into a fashion show performance infused with traditional cultural elements. The show highlighted key updates such as community structure and organization, local culture, ecological agriculture, livestock farming, and, particularly, the presentation of products made by the community members themselves. Among these, a notable product was Oh Mi Koho coffee, a clean coffee product awarded a 3-star OCOP certification, now moving toward agreements to supply Đà Lạt Go Supermarket. Additionally, Pơ Nơm and Chiêng Kao are two emerging coffee brands developed by the communities of Păng Sim and Chiêng Kao, with their initial customers already showing interest.
"Local coffee products – quality and alluring aroma
Oh Mi, Pơ Nơm, Chiêng Kao – inviting you to shop and savor."
The Đưng K'Nớ Cooperative also produced high-quality Pơ Kao forest honey, which received a 3-star OCOP certification. It participated in the Green Start-Up competition organized by BSA, advanced to the finals, and won two awards: one for media support and another for non-timber forest products.
When it comes to forest products, one cannot overlook Tình Tang dried bamboo shoots, a newly introduced product of the Cil Mup community. This delicacy, a gift of nature since ancient times, is produced by the Cil Mup villagers who travel deep into the forest to gather fresh bamboo shoots, dry them, and carefully prepare them.
The above highlights the commendable achievements that promise a bright future for high-quality, environmentally friendly local products, lovingly made by the hands of villagers from these communities.
LEARNING AND SHARING BETWEEN COMMUNITIES
In the middle of the program, there was a highlight session featuring stories shared by three communities: Ktip (the story of organic rice), Lộc Tân 3 village (the story of cultural restoration), and Păng Sim (the story of forming a "coffee for grass" group).
Through the highlight stories, the 14 communities had an opportunity to interact and exchange ideas with one another.
They raised many questions and shared insights on various topics, such as:
- “What challenges arise when implementing changes, and how can they be addressed?”
- “How can we encourage the formation of a cooperative group to work on shared goals?”
- “What are the best ways to resolve internal conflicts?”
- “How can we handle the process of obtaining building permits and sourcing construction materials?”
- “What are effective methods for planning and executing projects, such as building traditional stilt houses?”
Some specialized issues in experimental rice farming include: “How to preserve rice seeds before planting? How to breed rice varieties suitable for regional conditions? And how to prevent genetic degradation over multiple years of cultivation?”
When it comes to coffee, does not using pesticides affect the quality and yield of the crop? What alternatives can be used to protect the plants? During such a transition, how well can the plants adapt, and what is the survival rate?
Many questions were raised, and the villagers actively exchanged ideas and shared their knowledge and experiences for the groups to learn. Everyone also remembered to schedule a visit on a beautiful day to learn directly in their local area.
After sharing information and identifying the remaining issues as well as the skills lacking, Đà Lạt Caritas introduced a free course on product marketing and financial management to help villagers optimize their output once they had begun producing quality products. The course was designed by a marketing expert and carefully discussed with group leaders to determine the approach and delivery. So far, 12 communities have registered to participate in this valuable long-term course.
EXPERIENCING COMMUNITY PRODUCTS AND SHARING LOCAL SEEDS
The general sharing session concluded to make way for visits, interactions, and the exchange of experiences among groups. Through the Information Market, a wide array of products crafted by the villagers was displayed, along with posters briefly showcasing the positive achievements of each group over the past year.
The villagers also brought high-quality seeds to exchange with other communities. During this time, everyone spent a few reflective moments in silence, recalling the profound value of seeds. Afterward, they eagerly selected seeds to bring back for their crops. Seeds are food, the origin of life, and the source of nourishment that sustains humanity.
As the program neared its conclusion, each community briefly shared their plans for the upcoming year 2024. They encouraged one another with collective chants such as, 'Success, success... we will succeed!' and rounds of enthusiastic applause to welcome a new year full of energy.
Ms. Maria Goretti Đinh Thị Hồng Phúc, Vice Director of Đà Lạt Caritas, shared: "This is a long-term process that cannot be transformed in just a few short years. Therefore, the villagers need to remain persistent and focus more on product quality, aiming for standard certifications and strengthening production processes to enhance the value of their products, rather than chasing quantity when actual capacity and resources are insufficient to meet demand. One commendable aspect is the villagers' significant progress; they are now more confident in public settings, capable of presenting their ideas, engaging in constructive discussions, and developing plans. However, social issues are also increasing, and it is essential for the adults in the community to pay attention and create job opportunities. This will provide teenagers with chances to collaborate, learn, and grow, rather than falling into negative influences".
Challenges and conflicts will likely always exist, whether in communities that have developed for over 10 years or those that are newly established. Each community faces its own unique difficulties that must be overcome. However, when communities come together as a network - learning, exchanging, and supporting one another - they can collectively overcome these challenges. This connection fosters a steady source of emotional support in times of need, inspires creative solutions through shared experiences, builds confidence among members, and provides strong motivation to work toward overcoming poverty in the present while building a brighter future for the next generations.
Wishing the communities continued perseverance and renewed motivation. Even if each year brings only small progress, over time, these efforts will yield significant achievements, strengthen relationships, and serve as an inspiration for other communities to embrace change and development.
Sincere thanks to the presence of Father John Bosco Hoàng Văn Chính, the Vicar General, Ms. Maria Goretti Đinh Thị Hồng Phúc, Vice Director of Đà Lạt Caritas, representatives from the Đức Trọng Association for People with Disabilities, the sisters and patients at Trọng Đức Social Protection Facility, representatives from PLD communities, and all the staff of Đà Lạt Caritas.
We hope that in 2024, communities will continue to enhance their spirit of unity, teamwork, and self-sacrifice for the common good, striving toward a brighter future.