Graduation Approach Pilot Program Improves Livelihoods and Incomes of 1,259 Households

On August 29, 2025, the Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Protection, in cooperation with the Asian Development Bank, successfully concluded the project “Second Shock -Responsive Social Protection”, under which the Graduation Approach pilot program was implemented.

Launched in June 2022, the Graduation Approach aimed to help vulnerable households overcome post-pandemic crises, prevent poverty, and improve their livelihoods. The program achieved 96 percent of its planned objectives and activities. A total of 1,259 households participated, of which 80.6 percent successfully met graduation criteria. Many households began small-scale production activities by utilizing equipment provided through the program.

The pilot generated a range of positive outcomes. According to baseline assessments, 33.62 percent of household members were employed before the program, while this figure rose to 93.3 percent upon graduation, reflecting expanded income opportunities. The proportion of households participating in joint welfare groups increased from 4 percent to 86.6 percent. Prior to the program, only 4 percent of adult household members had technical or vocational training, whereas during the program period, 99 percent attended skills development or vocational education programs.

The Ministry has since developed a revised draft Law on Social Welfare, which incorporates the Graduation Approach as a nationwide measure to strengthen household and individual self-reliance.