US Consul-General Commends Habitat's Work In Vietnam

Habitat’s program of assisting more than 700 families in Kien Giang province is outstanding

RACH GIA, 19th April 2006: The US consul-general to Vietnam’s commercial capital Ho Chi Minh City ended his recent visit to the southern province of Kien Giang with praises for Habitat for Humanity’s work in the country. Habitat was commended for its exemplary program which enables the poor to help themselves.

Rare occasion: US consul-general Seth Winnick (with tie) visiting a Habitat homepartner who made renovations to her toilet

Important visit: Winnick with Habitat homepartners who made renovations to their house

In his visit in early April, US consul-general Seth Winnick met with country director Mark Estes to discuss Habitat’s programs in the Kien Giang region. Representatives from the Minh Hoa district in Kien Giang province also expressed their gratitude and satisfaction with Habitat’s assistance to more than 700 families in the province.

In a meeting with the Kien Giang People’s Committee members, Winnick also learnt about Habitat’s impact in Vietnam. Commending Habitat for its efforts, Winnick said Habitat has become “one of the most well-known and respected non-governmental organizations working in the Mekong Delta region” even though it has been active in the area for less than a year.

“Habitat’s program of giving eligible people the tools to build their own lives, rather than just giving financial assistance, is an exemplary model,” he added.

The consul-general also visited a commune where three Habitat homepartners recently made renovations to their homes, including new bathrooms, roofs, and floors. The average Habitat homepartner received a US314 no interest loan, which they were committed to repay.

Habitat started its pilot program to reduce poverty level in three districts in the Kien Giang province in October 2005. Through this initiative, Habitat will help more than 700 families to improve their living standards through housing microfinance, vocational and technical training, and technical support in shelter, water and sanitation improvements.