People living with a disability in rural Vietnam often experience discrimination or exclusion, affecting their future education and employment prospects.  

Since losing his leg when he was 12, Thu has lived a life of hardship and difficulty. 

With your support, Thu participated in the Empowerment of People with Disabilities program supported by Caritas Australia’s partner, the Centre for Sustainable Rural Development (SRD), as well as the Australian Government, through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP).  

Through the program, Thu was able to access to an affordable loan from the Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLA) and open his own barber shop. He no longer needs to rely solely on farming to earn an income and can support his wife as she recovers from her stroke. 

Thu also joined an incense-making group and, with the extra income, he could repair his house and reconstruct his front yard to prevent flooding during the rainy season. He plans to invest in livestock, such as pigs, ducks or chickens, to further diversify his income.   

“I think having a club is good, where people living with disabilities can join and help one another. Additionally, there are many meaningful activities from the project to support my family and others,” Thu says.   

“Before my economic and emotional life was difficult. Now I’m spiritually happier and more relaxed.”  

With your generosity, the Empowerment of People with Disabilities program was able to support more than 6,300 people in Vietnam in the last financial year.