Last Friday, Australian Marist Solidarity entered a partnership agreement with Catholic Mission to support the Marist Brothers in Vietnam’s program to provide vocational training to 90 visually-impaired students for two years.
The partnership will support students enrolled in IT and massage therapy training at the Training and Rehabilitation Centre for the Blind (TRCB), which is located in Hanoi.
With proper training at TRCB, students are better equipped with practical living and work skills to enable them to become competent employees and more capable of independent living.
Over the next two years, 30 students will receive IT training that includes Microsoft and other programs, like Skype, using sound aids.
60 students will benefit from new equipment and courses in remedial massage, including reflexology and acupressure. It is widely recognised that massage therapy is a profession well-suited to the capabilities of blind people.
During their time at TRCB, students are provided accommodation and meals.
TRCB vice-director, Xuan Truong, says, “News of this partnership brings our centre, all staff, as well as many blind people a huge happiness.”
He says that the financial support received from Catholic Mission and Australian Marist Solidarity will “create conditions for the blind to have the chance to join in community development and to enhance their life quality.”
There are over one million visually-impaired people living in Vietnam. They have limited resources and experience enormous difficulties accessing education and job training.
Australian Marist Solidarity is extremely grateful for Catholic Mission’s generous commitment to this life-changing program.
Click here to find out more or to donate to Australian Marist Solidarity, and help us continue our support of the TRCB project, which is improving access to quality education, and enhancing the lives of this disadvantaged group of people.