On Vietnam Day for People with Disabilities (April 18): Spread love, help the less fortunate

Representatives of the Vietnam Association for the Protection of Disabled and Orphans and Thanh Hoa Provincial Association presented scholarships to disabled students and orphans from poor and near-poor households in the province.

Steadfast in adversity

Remember, the one-legged man, “rebuilding his life” from the sugarcane fields in Lam Thanh neighborhood, Kim Tan town (Thach Thanh) Vu Van Hoang is still mentioned by the people with admiration. Previously, he was the main breadwinner in the family, hard-working, healthy. However, an unexpected work accident took away a part of his body - a leg, along with his belief in the future that seemed to have been shattered.

However, when he thought he was about to collapse, Mr. Hoang started a new journey. Not giving up on fate, he boldly borrowed money to grow sugarcane, combined with raising buffalo and cows. With his own two hands and an iron will, he rebuilt his family's economy, not only stabilizing his life but also supporting the people around him with production experience.

Disability cannot overcome the passion for entrepreneurship. Not far from Thach Thanh, in Ha Son commune (Ha Trung), Pham Hong Hien is another “moon” shining on his own path. After completing his military service, a traffic accident caused him to lose the ability to move normally. From a healthy person to a person with disabilities (PWD), he fell into despair. But not long after, he stood up.

Not content to depend on anyone, Mr. Hien decided to learn carpentry and then opened a wooden furniture workshop in his hometown. Each table and chair he made was not only a product of his talented hands but also a crystallization of his determination. His production facility expanded day by day, creating jobs for many local workers. “I did not allow myself to give up. I did it not only for myself, but also for the people who believed in me,” he confided with pride in his eyes.

Success is not beyond the reach of those who dream and dare to do. Not only Mr. Hoang and Mr. Hien, but also many other shining examples throughout Thanh Hoa, such as Ms. Nguyen Thi Thu Hien, in Dong Tho ward (Thanh Hoa city); teacher Le Thi Tham, teacher Le Huu Tuan (Thanh Hoa city); Mr. Ha Van Quang, Phu Son commune (Quan Hoa); Mr. Hoang Van Mau, Ha Linh commune (Ha Trung)...

These “crescent moons” are not simply examples of overcoming difficulties, but also profound reminders of the value of resilience and unyielding faith in the face of adversity. They have proven that: Disability is not a limit to dreams, but can be the starting point of extraordinary journeys - if there is determination and added trust from the community.

More power

With the motto "Leave no one behind", in 2024, the Association for the Protection of Persons with Disabilities, Orphans and Protection of Children's Rights of Thanh Hoa province has effectively implemented many humanitarian programs, creating livelihoods, improving lives and empowering tens of thousands of persons with disabilities and orphans in the province.

In the journey of giving opportunities and hope to the disadvantaged, the joint project between the association and Bell Vietnam Group is truly a highlight. Not only does it bring economic value, the project also awakens the will to rise up in each PWD. With the spirit of "giving fishing rods instead of fish", the project "Supporting and creating startup spaces for PWD" has successfully deployed 13 points of sale in markets and kiosks - where PWDs are the owners of their own business space. The 10 points of sale in Quang Xuong district alone have achieved revenue of over 300 million VND - an encouraging number for a very new model.

In the digital age, no one is left behind, including those living with physical disabilities. Understanding that, many technology support programs have been launched, becoming a bridge to bring PWDs closer to learning and earning a living. The program "Computers and smart technology devices supporting livelihood and learning" sponsored by the Union of the Supreme People's Procuracy Office has awarded 10 desktop computers to PWDs in Sam Son City. This is a technological baggage that helps them learn a profession remotely, work from home or start an online business - something that seemed very difficult before. Along with that, the association also coordinated with ViMos Joint Stock Company to organize online - offline sales skills training and opened 16 more pharmaceutical sales points for PWDs in the districts. Technology is now not only a tool, but has become a companion on their journey to change their lives.

Not only aiming for long-term livelihood, the association also always pays special attention to the spiritual life of the disabled, especially during holidays and Tet - when loneliness and deprivation can easily reach the bottom. The program "Love Tet Market" has become a place for love to gather when bringing 200 scholarships and 500 gifts to disabled children, orphans, and people in especially difficult circumstances. With a total value of nearly 300 million VND, each small gift is a warm New Year wish, an encouragement to help them have more confidence in life. Also on this occasion, with the companionship of the Thanh Hoa Diocese Caritas Charity Committee, nearly 800 gifts were sent to the people of Quan Son district to spread the spirit of "mutual love" to remote villages.

Mr. Trinh Ngoc Dung, Chairman of the Association, shared: “Last year, nearly 50,000 PWDs and orphans were assisted with a total mobilized resource of more than 33 billion VND - far exceeding the set plan. This is not only the achievement of the Association, but also the result of the joint efforts and responsible companionship of Party committees, authorities, businesses, religious organizations, philanthropists and the entire people. It is love and compassion that is the great source of strength that helps PWDs confidently rise up in life.”

No one chooses their circumstances, but everyone deserves to live with dreams and hopes. The remarkable results in caring for PWDs and orphans in Thanh Hoa are a big step forward in awareness and action. Along with policies, empathy and cooperation from the community are needed. Because only when compassion becomes the foundation, society will be truly civilized and sustainable.

Article and photos: Tran Hang

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/nhan-ngay-nguoi-khuet-tat-viet-nam-18-4-lan-toa-yeu-thuong-nang-buoc-nhung-phan-doi-kem-may-man-245912.htm