VietNamNet Bridge – Huynh Ngoc Hong Nhung, vice president of Can Tho Association of People with Disabilities, is desperate to create stable jobs for disabled people and is seeking local authorities’ support as she tries to improve the daily operations of disabled supporting centers nationwide.

Huynh Ngoc Hong Nhung, vice president of Nhip Cau Foundation, shows products made of coconut covers.

Nhung, who received a Master’s degree in Rural and Regional Development at the Asia Institute of Technology in Thailand in 2008, grew up in Bac Lieu City, but she was paralysed in both her feet before she had turned one years old.

The pain doubled when her parents got divorced but her mother’s love gave her a strong will to live and helped her overcome obstacles.

She graduated from Can Tho University in English major then she received a BA in Finance Accounting at HCMC University of Economics in the hopes of finding a good job and brighter future.

An important turning point came when Nhung met Nhip Cau Foundation and she felt it was her destiny to help disabled people in a similar situation to her.

However, to bolster her capacity and improve her chances of improving their situation, she applied for a scholarship at Ford IFP.

During her time studying in Thailand and on an international student exchange program at Arkansas in the U.S., she told international friends that Vietnamese people always love studying and embracing their dreams.

Disabled people make craft products at Nhip Cau Foundation.

Now as vice president of Nhip Cau Foundation which was established in November 2002 to implement pilot projects; free vocational training for people with disabilities (PWDs), free expenses for meals, accommodation and work equipment, from project funds thanks to Can Tho Department of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs (DoLISA) and domestic and foreign sponsors, she creates jobs for many disabled people to make crafts.

The products at Nhip Cau Foundation include handicrafts made from coconuts such as home decoration products, souvenirs, kitchen utensils, logos, jewelry, key-rings, picture frames, and the foundation also designs special orders on the requirements of customers. There are also conical hats, tourist hats, caps, fan hats, cloth hats and fans made of silk and bamboo.

Now she is developing and marketing Nhip Cau Foundation’s fine arts firm at 348A1/14B KV 2 Nguyen Van Cu Street, An Khanh Ward, Ninh Kieu District in Can Tho Province, tel: 0710 3893 970, email: info@nhipcaufoundation.com.

Last year, the building was renovated so tourists can witness the craftsmen making their artworks. A film screening room also introduces to tourists the history of the foundation as well as processes and values of craft products.

The foundation is also the linking bridge for other products of mute, deaf or vision-impaired citizens to share information, passion as well as sell products.

Source: SGT