Silver Spring, Maryland--Through an income generation cow bank project, the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) is helping visually impaired and blind persons in Vietnam's southeastern Binh Phuoc province achieve financial independence and improve their self-confidence through skills training in agriculture, health, and finances.

As a result of the Cow Bank Project, worth more than $50,000, nearly 70 participants and their families have improved their economic standing in the last twelve months through financing opportunities. This initiative, launched in November 2007, has allowed families living in rural areas to purchase cows, opening up new income streams and improving their overall economic stability.

"In this region of the country, where agriculture is the main source of income, having a cow is a very valuable asset, because it can provide meat, milk, fertilizer, and calves, thereby multiplying the family's household value," said Luu Cong Dinh, manager for the Southern and Central Region of ADRA Vietnam. "Cows are also beneficial, as they can provide assistance in plowing a family's fields, and can be a useful means of transportation."

To extend the sustainability of this project, participants are required to return to ADRA a female calf, which in turn is sold to a new family joining the project.

Over the last year, beneficiaries have also received training in technical skills and safe farming techniques, and are taking a more active role in their own communities through workshops about cattle raising, animal husbandry, food preparation, and shelter construction. In addition, they are learning about financial planning, vaccination and disease control, especially in regards to the avian flu, a serious concern among Vietnamese farmers.

"Poverty is much like a trap door," said Dinh. "Once you fall into it, it is extremely hard to get out of. For those who are affected by blindness, it is twice as difficult, as they are more vulnerable to livelihood insecurity and illiteracy. Through this project, families will be able to break the cycle of poverty, achieving a level of financial security that can be sustained for years to come."

ADRA has been implementing cow bank projects in Vietnam for more than 10 years, and continues to do so due to their effectiveness. ADRA's collaboration with local partners such as the Binh Phuoc Blind Association, an organization that coordinates with beneficiaries and the local government, and the Agricultural Extension Center, has helped make the project a success, according to Dinh.

The Cow Bank Project, which ended November 15, was financed by ADRA International and the ADRA Asia Regional Office located in Bangkok, Thailand. ADRA Vietnam is seeking additional funding in order to continue to provide support until 2010.

ADRA has been active in Vietnam since 1988, working in the areas of health care, education, water and sanitation, economic development and emergency management.

ADRA is a non-governmental organization present in 125 countries providing sustainable community development and disaster relief without regard to political or religious association, age, gender, race, or ethnicity.

Additional information about ADRA can be found at www.adra.org.

Author: Nadia McGill

Media Contact: John Torres, Senior Public Relations Manager, ADRA International 12501 Old Columbia Pike Silver Spring, MD 20904 Phone: 301.680.6357 E-mail: Media.Inquiries@adra.org