From 24th to 25th August, 2016, the Competition - "Initiative for sustainable poverty reduction through developing community internal force" is a competition to find Initiative for sustainable poverty reduction through developing community internal force jointly organized by National Office for Poverty Reduction, UNDP and The Embassy of Ireland. The competition has attracted many organizations, enterprises and local authorities to participate in. Especially There were 60 teams/groups registered to participate and in response to the competition: There were 25 groups entered the preliminary round and competed in two days - 24th and 25 th August, 2016.

The interest group model "Growing medicinal plants intercropped banana on sloping land" in Thanh Van commune and Mai Lap commune, Cho Moi district, Bac Kan province has been chosen National Office for Poverty Reduction and Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs as one of the 25 models entered preliminary round and participated in the competition in the last 24th and 25th August, 2016. The model was supported by ADC and CARE International in Vietnam.

The jury and Technical Advisory Council of the competition include: Head of the Jury - Director, Chief of the National Office for Poverty Reduction, Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, Mr. Ngo Truong Thi. On behalf of the council he has shared:

“These are the most lively and realistic stories. In the beginning, when we and UNDP decided to organize this competition we really do not know how to do and what will be the results. However, until now, the results that the competition brought were beyond your expectations”.

After 02 days of pre-qualification. The organizers will continue to select the best 10 groups to participate in the final round scheduled to be held in Hanoi in October 2016. Within three months, all groups will carry out their plans with the assistance of experts, development organizations and enterprises.

After the competition, the Jury appreciated the participation of 25 groups and shared: “We think that all of these initiatives and activities of all groups bring huge benefits for not only economic fields, but also for social and environmental fields and also strengthen the solidarity between the communities in the local area, organize union activities to contribute to build a better life in rural areas.”

Some pictures of Growing medicinal plants intercropped banana on sloping land interest group in the competition: