Quynh is able to offer Nguyet lessons at home, teaching her maths, reading, writing and crafts, through the work of Caritas Australia’s partner CRS. Photo: Richard Wainwright
When Caritas Australia stepped into Nguyet’s life, it changed forever.
Nguyet spent 14 years of her life in isolation. Her severe disability restricted her movements, access to the neighbourhood, and a chance of an education and a good life.
Her life changed when local teacher, Quynh, introduced her to a Caritas sponsored support program. Aware that programs like these are much needed in their village, Quynh said the school doesn’t have enough facilities for children like her.
Caritas Australia works with communities like Nguyet’s – supporting programs that strengthen, train and equip parents, children and communities through the challenges of disability.
The Capacity Building for Parents Associations Supporting Children with Disabilities (CBPA) program is managed by Catholic Relief Services, a local partner of Caritas Australia in Vietnam.
Nguyet’s case manager Duong, said that the program was having a powerful impact on the whole community.
“The CBPA project aims to help parents by providing training so that they can support children with disabilities to integrate into the community, and be more confident in community integration,” Duong said.
Parents’ Associations in Vietnam have contributed considerably to communities, raising awareness of the needs and challenges faced by the parents of children with disabilities.
Parents of children with disabilities were very reluctant to bring their children to join in public events in the past.
However, they are now more confident and can actively provide better care and education for their children.
“Parents’ Associations have proved their ability to the local government in helping disabled children,” Duong said.
“They also show that, whenever they are supported and cared for properly, children with disabilities can [achieve] change.”
Nguyet has learned t to express herself creatively, designing and sewing clothes for her dolls, and making traditional Vietnamese paper flowers, which she hopes to sell one day. This has opened up a new world for herself.
Her whole family has benefited from this with her parents able to work, knowing she will be able to manage on her own.
Her quick math skills have also helped them with their shopping and has introduced her to the world of business.
Nguyet’s mother Tim, now nurtures the hope that her child ‘can be independent, and build the future she wants’.
“We are very happy for her,” Tim said.
Please donate to Project Compassion 2017 and help children with disabilities in Vietnam to learn new skills and connect with their communities.