MAG has been recognised by the Vietnamese government as one of the most proactive international non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in the country’s fight against poverty.
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Technicians use a large loop detector in the investigation of some reported buried dangerous items. MAG's work helps alleviate poverty by freeing up land that can be used for resettlement, agriculture and infrastructure projects. |
MAG was one of only a handful of international NGOs invited to attend the “Noi Vong Tay Lon” (“Joining the Great Fold”) event, held on the night of 31 December 2008 and broadcast live on Vietnam television.
Organised by the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) and Vietnam Television (VTV), the annual event aims to build support for its “For the Poor” foundation and express gratitude to individuals and organisations who have made practical contributions to poverty alleviation.
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MAG Vietnam's Jimmy Roodt announced that MAG’s budget for 2009 will be US$3 million, to be used for landmine and unexploded ordnance clearance in marginalised post-conflict provinces. |
The show, the seventh of its kind, was attended by President Nguyen Minh Triet and many other senior politicians.
This year, international NGOs were part of the programme for the first time. Out of 700 such organisations working in Vietnam on food security and poverty reduction, MAG was one of just 11 invited to be honoured on stage.
Country Programme Manager Jimmy Roodt announced that MAG’s budget for 2009 would be US$3 million, to be used for landmine and unexploded ordnance (UXO) clearance in Vietnam’s marginalised post-conflict provinces.
Speaking after the gala night, Jimmy said he was very proud to represent MAG Vietnam’s staff at the event and meet the President in person.
“It is motivating for us to know that our efforts are highly valued by the government of Vietnam,” he said.
The event was watched on television by millions of Vietnamese and received coverage in many national newspapers.
Links:
- Find out more about MAG Vietnam at our special microsite
- Cluster munitions in Vietnam and Lao PDR: New era, old problem
MAG's work in Vietnam is currently funded by: Adopt-A-Minefield; Imperial Tobacco; Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement, Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, US Department of State.
20 January 09
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