Marist Solidarity project partner in Vietnam, Brother Geoff Kelly, reports that a two-year program to provide 90 blind and visually-impaired young adults vocational training is now fully operational at the Training and Rehabilitation Centre for the Blind (TRCB), which is part of the Vietnam Blind Association located in Hanoi.
The program offers young people the opportunity to gain practical living and work skills to enable them to become job-ready and capable of living independently.
30 students are receiving IT training on how to use programs, like Microsoft Word, Internet Explorer, email, Skype, with sound aids.
60 students are receiving training in remedial massage, including reflexology and acupressure.
Remedial massage therapists are becoming increasingly sought-after in Vietnam and the visually-impaired are well-suited to this profession.
The program is being funded by Australian Marist Solidarity in partnership with Catholic Mission.
Costs include the purchase of IT equipment, air-conditioning units, massage beds and covers, Japanese massage chairs, and materials like braille paper.
Teachers’ salaries, student accommodation and meals are also included as part of the program.
Click here to find out more about the TRCB programs or to donate to Australian Marist Solidarity, and help us to continue improving opportunities for young adults in Vietnam, who are blind or visually-impaired.