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Gravis is a voluntary organization that works in the field of rural development, supports and provides capacity building for poor communities living in the desert. Since its inception in 1983, Gravis has established over 1,100 community based organizations (CBOs), worked with over 50,000 desert families across 900 villages. The core activities of Gravis include: setting up and running schools for children; organization of healthcare activities and running a hospital; training and capacity building for rural communities; empowering women, support animal husbandry; and drought relief and mitigation activities.
The aim of the Gravis delegation’s visit to Vietnam is to study VWU’s activities of supporting the older people and older women, especially the model of “Empathy Club” and “Intergenerational Self-help Club” which are technically and financially supported by the Help Age International (HAI).
During the visit in Vietnam, the delegation attended monthly club meeting of the two above-mentioned models, visited and presented gifts to club members in Hanoi and Thanh Hoa. The delegation was very impressed by the hospitality and friendliness of the club members when joining activities with them at the club meeting. They also recorded the art performance at the meeting to share with members of the Gravis when they come back.
On this occasion, leaders of the International Relations Department and Administration Department, Vietnam Elderly Association and HAI Office in Vietnam friendly welcomed the delegation at the headquarters of the Central Vietnam Women’s Union. At the meeting, the two sides exchanged and shared experiences in activities of supporting the elderly in both countries. Gravis highly appreciated efforts of Women’s Union at all levels as well as local agencies, organizations in providing economic support and helping families with special circumstances to overcome difficulties and stabilize their living. Through the meetings with local people, the delegation learned more experiences in activities of supporting the elderly, an issue that their country is paying attention to.
Coming back from the visit in Vietnam, the delegation sent a letter of thanks to VWU for the well-prepared visit and warm welcome. They are looking forward to welcoming VWU’s delegation to India in the near future.
Translated by the Int’l Relations Department - VWU
