In Hanoi the Training and Rehabilitation Centre for the Blind (TRCB) offers courses in Therapeutic Massage, Computer Proficiency, English, Business Management and Communication Skills to blind students from the many provinces of Vietnam, thus greatly improving their employment opportunities and capacity to live productive and independent lives.
Mr Tuan was born in 1991 and comes from Quang Tri Province – one of the poorest provinces in Vietnam. During his first year at Da Nang University, Tuan suddenly became dizzy, fell sick, and over a period of just one week lost his vision entirely. As a result he discontinued his studies, fell into a state of depression and isolation, and spoke to his family about ending his life.
In 2015 Tuan was referred to the TRCB for support. Here he met other blind people and formed a support and friendship network. He gradually became more sociable and accepted the position he was in. Tuan became determined to turn his life around and in 2016 enrolled in two courses back-to-back: Office IT and Enhancing the Capacity for Management Staff.
Because he used to be a university student, Tuan excelled in these courses and he enjoyed learning new skills in a new way. His teachers were very impressed with his commitment to studying and would often spend time after class to revise the lessons and help teach his friends. Tuan regained his confidence and soon found part-time employment in his home province – something which he continues to do today.
Tuan wishes to resume his university degree and one day wants to open a social enterprise that helps visually impaired people start their own businesses. He is particularly motivated to help other visually impaired people from his province which has a high level of blindness due to the aftereffects of Agent Orange which was used extensively in the area during the war. Tuan acts as a bridge between the TRCB and the visually impaired in Quang Tri and wishes for more people to be enrolled in the courses so they too can turn their life around.
AMS would like to thank and acknowledge its partnership with Catholic Mission and St Veronica Welfare Committee, whose generosity has ensured that stories like Mr Tuan’s are possible.
There is much more to be done for youth with a disability in Vietnam. To learn about how you can help, visit: Training for the Visually Impaired | Vietnam