Could this be the reincarnation/resurrection of the 1998 'Pioneers Assist Others' program that lasted only a few years.
I remember a worldwide letter (early 2000s) that was addressed to the elders but not read to the congregations. It said something to the effect:
"The Pioneers Assist Others program has served its purpose and will be discontinued!" That was it...short & sweet...no explanation given for terminating the program back then...really weird!
It obviously was a colossal failure back then...so why recycle it?