This year's Human Act Prize starts off with a community theme

The Human Act Prize 2023 awards Phạm Quốc Việt and the FAS Angel project in the Inspiring Projects category, recognising their impactful contributions to the community. Photo courtesy of Human Act Prize

HÀ NỘI  This year's Human Act Prize has begun with the theme 'constructive community', aiming to recognise and celebrate the dedication and commitment of individuals and organisations working for communities throughout the country.

The award supports projects and initiatives with the potential for widespread impact and inspiration, as well as pioneers who dare to take the first steps in bringing about sustainable and transformative change for an entire region or industry.

The Human Act Prize is an annual award organised by the Nhân Dân (People) newspaper in collaboration with the VCCorp Joint Stock Company.

Lê Quốc Minh, editor-in-chief of Nhân Dân newspaper, chairman of the Việt Nam Journalists Association, and head of the Executive Awards Organising Committee of the Human Act Prize, said that beyond large enterprises, many smaller volunteer groups and projects are emerging with innovative approaches.

While there are numerous touching stories from these outstanding initiatives, few people are aware of them or are willing to join hands and replicate their efforts.

"Thanks to this award, we are aware that there are small-scale initiatives that have benefited tens of thousands of lives, large-scale projects that are rarely discussed, and programmes that have lasted for 15 to 20 years but are unknown to the public," he said.

"If big businesses and organisations strengthen their connections and collaborate more, while also recognising and promoting outstanding initiatives, the reach and effectiveness of community projects will undoubtedly expand significantly."

Encouraging other organisations and individuals to adopt similar models reflects the spirit the Human Act Prize aims to promote. This approach fosters a community movement that grows both in breadth and depth, ultimately creating meaningful change in awareness and quality of life.

The organising committee this year has selected 'constructive community' as the 2024 Human Act Prize theme, believing a stronger constructive community network will enhance social security and improve the quality of life for individuals.

Lê Quốc Minh, editor-in-chief of Nhân Dân newspaper, chairman of the Việt Nam Journalists Association and head of the Executive Awards Organising Committee of the Human Act Prize, speaks at the press conference. Photo courtesy of Human Act Prize

The organising committee has also published a book titled Pioneer Marks - Innovation in Social Impact in Việt Nam, a comprehensive handbook that was written for and about social workers.

Michael Arnol, CEO and executive editor of Metro Writersmo and co-editor of the book, said: "When writing the book, the team of authors aimed to analyse the implementation of social activities in Việt Nam, examining their development process and outstanding characteristics in comparison to similar movements in other countries."

The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to support and improve the quality of information dissemination and the organisation of forums, seminars and courses on community initiatives is another highlight of this year's prize.

Last year, the Human Act Prize attracted entries from over 130 social projects, some of whom even embarked on their journeys several decades ago.

The 2023 award categories include Community Ideas, Timely Projects, Prospective Projects, Resilient Projects, Inspiring Projects, and Sustainable Projects.

Prizes were awarded to the ideas with the most positive and sustainable contributions to the community. VNS