Can I apply for poverty status?

During the 2010 selection process for the "Culturally Exemplary Family" title in Hamlet D.T, Mr. NVT, a former poor household who had made many efforts in business and family development, was nominated by the neighborhood committee to have escaped poverty and meet the criteria for a "Culturally Exemplary Family." Mr. NVT hastily raised his hand and said, "Thank you, everyone, but I don't want to be a 'Culturally Exemplary Family,' I'd like to be classified as a poor household." The entire meeting burst into laughter. In the end, Mr. NVT's family was still classified as a poor household?!

Perhaps, similar situations exist in other villages. The reasons are quite clear. Being recognized as a "Culturally Exemplary Family" brings prestige, while being classified as a "poor family" brings benefits: subsidized tuition for children, reduced or waived medical fees for family members, and financial and rice support from higher authorities during Tet (Lunar New Year). So, sacrificing prestige for the benefits is the better option!

From this true story from the village, several issues can be drawn:

1. If a family is classified as poor, it absolutely cannot be considered a "Culturally Exemplary Family." Because the first principle of culture is striving to eradicate poverty, viewing hunger and poverty as contrary to the way of life for every citizen under our regime today.

2. It's also not ideal to be labeled as poor, and indeed, many families, while less impoverished, still face numerous difficulties in life. Helping poor and near-poor families is a major, arduous, and long-term task. We cannot be complacent with the achievements made so far. Leaders at all levels, the Fatherland Front, mass organizations, and philanthropists need to be very practical because workers and the poor are always very pragmatic.

3. Indeed, while still poor, no one would be foolish enough to "abandon" poverty status in order to receive the "Culturally Exemplary Family" title. However, achieving this status is a great struggle, overcoming many difficulties. Disregarding or lowering the standards of "Culturally Exemplary Families," simply chasing after percentages to have more families each year than the previous one, could easily lead to a superficial approach, making it difficult for the movement to develop sustainably in that area!

Do Van