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Vietnam’s Intergenerational Self-Help Clubs Win National Recognition for Transforming Communities

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HelpAge International in Vietnam’s partner the Vietnam Association of the Elderly (VAE) has proudly received the ‘Prize of the Year’ at the Human Act Prize 2025, one of the country’s most respected awards for community-driven initiatives.

This recognition celebrates the unwavering dedication behind the Intergenerational Self-Help Club (ISHC) model – a grassroots approach that has changed hundreds of thousands of lives across Vietnam. The award highlights the success and the spirit of perseverance and service that defines these clubs.

 

Ms. Vo Thi Anh Xuan (in blue), Member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party and Vice President of Vietnam, presented the Human Act Prize of the Year. The ISHC model was one of five projects to receive this award.

What is the ISHC model? 

The Intergenerational Self-Help Club is a community-based organisation that brings together older people, women, and disadvantaged groups to support one another. Each club usually has 50–70 members, with about 70% being older people. The idea is simple yet powerful: create a space where generations work together to improve health, income, and social connection. 

ISHCs operate on eight key areas of activity, including: 

  • Livelihood support – helping members start small businesses or improve farming. 
  • Health care – regular check-ups, exercise sessions, and home-based care. 
  • Volunteer home care – trained volunteers visit older people who need daily assistance. 
  • Rights and entitlements – educating members about their benefits and legal rights. 
  • Lifelong learning – talks, training, and knowledge-sharing. 
  • Cultural and social activities – music, arts, and community events. 
  • Community support and self-help – mutual aid for emergencies. 
  • Resource mobilisation – raising funds and building partnerships. 

This holistic approach means ISHCs go beyond clubs – they are lifelines for communities facing rapid population ageing.  

The extraordinary impact of ISHCs in Vietnam

What began as simple gathering spaces for older people, ISHCs have grown into dynamic community hubs and powerful drivers of change. 

This initiative has been embraced in national government policy. ISHCs have evolved by listening to older people’s needs and responding to specific national challenges where the pace of ageing is faster than the pace of development. 

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Why does it matter? 

Vietnam is ageing faster than many countries, and resources are limited. The ISHC model offers a cost-effective, sustainable solution. It empowers older people as active contributors, not passive recipients. Members report remarkable improvements: 

  • Better health – almost all members feel healthier and more active. 
  • Higher income – many have started earning through small businesses. 
  • Stronger communities – people of all ages come together, reducing isolation and age-based discrimination. 

Global recognition 

ISHCs are not only a success in Vietnam, but they are also recognised internationally as a model for healthy ageing. The United Nations, Wall Street Journal and the World Health Organization have highlighted ISHCs as a best practice for building inclusive, resilient societies. 

Looking ahead 

Winning the Human Act Prize is a proud moment, but the journey continues. In the following decade, 12,000 new ISHCs will be set up across Vietnam, bringing the total number to 21,000 ISHCs supporting hundreds of thousands of older people while strengthening community ties across generations. HelpAge Vietnam and VAE are committed to introducing new ideas like digital skills training and green practices and ensuring that every older person can age with dignity, health, and purpose.