Supporting the journey of ... reintegration

In the journey of reintegrating into the community, those who have stumbled in the past need not only the determination to rebuild their lives, but more importantly, a reliable support to start over. In Dong Nai, Prime Ministerial Decision No. 22/2023/QD-TTg, dated August 17, 2023, on credit access for individuals who have completed their prison sentences, has become a strong pillar of support for hundreds of people returning from troubled pasts.

A beacon of hope upon return

One year ago, Vo Trong Dien, a resident of Tan Dat Hamlet, An Vien Commune, Dong Nai Province, returned home after completing his prison sentence. He was confronted with a complex reality, including a dilapidated home, an elderly father in poor health, a young child entering first grade, and a wife who had long since departed.

“Everything had changed drastically; I did not know where to begin. However, with the support of local authorities, I was able to secure a preferential loan of 60 million VND from the Vietnam Bank for Social Policies. This was the first ray of hope guiding me forward,” Dien recounted.

With that modest amount of capital, he bought four breeding cows and rehabilitated more than 5,000 square meters of land to grow grass as feed. In less than a year, his herd had grown to nine cows, laying the groundwork for a sustainable future for his family. Today, he not only cares for his elderly father and young child but is also an active and productive contributor to the local economy. “I am truly grateful that the Party and the State have not turned their backs on us. This preferential loan policy has given me the chance to rebuild my life,” Dien said emotionally.

Vo Trong Dien (28), from Tan Dat hamlet, An Vien commune, Dong Nai province, expresses his joy as the loan provided by the Vietnam Bank for Social Policies for former inmates has been put to effective use. Photo: Khanh Ngoc

Meanwhile, in Tan Lap 2 hamlet, Bau Ham commune, Dong Nai province, Vu Tuan Tai is another individual who has made mistakes in the past. Returning to his hometown at the end of 2024, he received support from local authorities and the commune police to access a 100 million VND loan under Decision No. 22/2023/QĐ-TTg.

With the funds, Tai invested in growing bananas on 7.000 square meters of land. Day by day, he works diligently, gradually rebuilding his life. His dream of “starting over” has begun to blossom, quite literally, as the banana plantation is expected to yield its first harvest in just two months. “I once stumbled in life, but now, with the care and support of the Government and the State, I feel deeply moved and grateful. Having capital to start over motivates me to live responsibly and not betray the trust placed in me,” Tai shared.

Officers from the Trang Bom Transaction Office of the Vietnam Bank for Social Policies visit the banana plantation of Vu Tuan Tai in Tan Lap 2 hamlet, Bau Ham commune, Dong Nai province. Photo: Khanh Ngoc

Accompanying rehabilitated individuals on their journey of reintegration

Prime Ministerial Decision No. 22/2023/QĐ-TTg, issued on August 17, 2023, outlines a credit policy aimed at supporting individuals who have completed their prison sentences in reintegrating into society. Under this policy, eligible individuals may access loans at the same preferential interest rates as those granted to poor households. The funds are intended to help them pursue vocational training, secure employment, start businesses, and build a new life.

In Dong Nai province, following more than two years of implementation, over 600 rehabilitated individuals have received preferential loans, with a total outstanding amount exceeding 50 billion VND. “Since the rollout of the policy, the Trang Bom Transaction Office of the Vietnam Bank for Social Policies has disbursed nearly 1.2 billion VND to 13 beneficiaries under Decision No. 22/2023/QĐ-TTg. Most borrowers have used the capital effectively and for the right purposes. This clearly demonstrates that the policy is yielding practical and positive results,” said Pham Thi Hue Quyen, Director of the Trang Bom Transaction Office of the Vietnam Bank for Social Policies.

According to Vo Trong Hoa, Deputy Director of the Dong Nai Provincial Branch of the Vietnam Bank for Social Policies, this program not only serves social security objectives but also contributes to maintaining public order and safety at the local level. “We view close coordination with local authorities, mass organizations, and the police in identifying eligible individuals, assisting them with loan procedures, and supervising the use of funds as a critical task. These steps are essential to helping former inmates stabilize their lives, prevent recidivism and legal violations, and ensure local security and crime prevention,” Hoa emphasized.

Dong Nai province places a strong emphasis on legal education, job introductions, vocational training, and loan support for individuals who have completed their prison sentences and reside in the locality. Photo: Khanh Ngoc

Sharing the same perspective, Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen The Thuan, Deputy Head of the Criminal Judgment Execution and Judicial Assistance Police Division of the Dong Nai Provincial Police, emphasized: “Community reintegration plays a crucial role in society. It not only fulfills the State’s policy of socializing the execution of criminal judgments and implementing the nation’s criminal justice policies, but also promotes social reform across various sectors,  including crime prevention and the reduction of recidivism.”

The journey to rebuild one’s life is never easy. Yet, with timely support from preferential credit policies, rehabilitated individuals in Dong Nai are gradually proving that anyone can return and reintegrate, if given a chance.

Decision No. 22/2023/QĐ-TTg is not merely an economic policy, as it stands as a humanitarian commitment by the Party and the State. Reintegration is not a solitary path, but a journey accompanied by the Party, the government, and the people.

By Khanh Ngọc - Translated by Hong Van, Minho