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Vietnam

Where We Work

Vietnam

Vietnam has made significant economic and social progress since the end of the Vietnam War in 1975, however poverty and inequality remain. 

The after-effects of landmines and chemical warfare are seen in the large numbers of people living with a disability. In rural areas, in particular, people with disabilities may experience discrimination and stigmatisation.   

The impact of your support in Vietnam

Vietnam

Population: 98 million

Program Snapshot

Together We Can: We work with our local partner, the Centre for Sustainable Rural Development (SRD) to support people living with a disability in the Quang Tri province. The project helps to improve the health, wellbeing and economic status of people living with a disability through income generation activities, rehabilitation support and inclusive disaster risk reduction training. Along with your generous support, this program is supported by the Australian Government, through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP)
I-Shine (Improving Social, Healthcare, Education Inclusion and livelihood of persons with disabilities): The I-SHINE + project is designed to support people with disabilities, especially children, youth, and women, to improve their capacity to enjoy a safe living environment, improved education, health care and social services. With the support of our partner, Catholic Relief Services (CRS), the project works with communities in the Quang Tri and Quang Nam provinces, which have the highest concentration of people and children with disabilities compared to other regions. Along with your generous support, this program is supported by the Australian Government, through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP).

Young people living with a disability can learn vocational training skills to earn an income.

Specialised doctors and physiotherapists can provide regular rehabilitation visits.

Thu Making Incence With His VSLA Members

People living with a disability can become financially independent.

Vulnerable communities can adapt to the challenges of climate change.

Thu's story

When Thu was 12-years-old, he lost his leg after stepping on an unexploded land mine, a remnant of the Vietnam War that devastated much of the country. Living with a disability in rural Vietnam presented many challenges for Thu, who worked mainly as a rice farmer. After, his wife, Linh, suffered a stroke, Thu also had to take on the additional role as the carer for his wife. 

Thu joined the Empowerment of People with Disabilities program, supported by Caritas Australia through our local partners, the Sustainable Centre for Rural Development (SRD). Through the program, Thu learnt livelihood, financial and independent living skills and also joined a Village Savings and Loans Association (VLSA) where he could interact with other people with disabilities.

The VLSA helped Thu to obtain a loan so that he could set up a barber shop and earn extra income to support his family. The project also helped Thu to build an accessible toilet for Linh, who has also become more independent thanks to the support of a physiotherapist. 

She is my wife and we have been living together and depending on each other, I am the one to be there with her and for her. She almost lost herself after the stroke and had to lean on me. I could understand how she felt because I had experienced the same at the age of 12 after a landmine accident took one of my legs.

Thu

Thu's story

Thu lost his leg after stepping on a land mine in Vietnam. With your generosity, Thu can now earn extra income and support his wife as she recovers from a stroke.