AFAP with overseas partners, has initiated a very successful community based micro credit and savings programme in Thanh Son District of Phu Tho Province. The project provides a direct benefit to at least 865 families in the area. Thanh Son is recognized as one of the poorest areas in Vietnam with food shortages, annual flooding, droughts, malnutrion and high rates of women's diseases. To March 2003 over 800 families have received loans from the programme. To date there has been 100% repayment as due.

The Glencoe Foundation has provided $14,000 over 2 years for ongoing training to help ensure the Women's Union can effectively manage the micro credit programme. Training focuses on management skills, accounting and bookkeeping, use of Micro credit management software and using the programme operation manual.