Vocational Training for Disabled Workers in Hai Duong Province

It is estimated that there are over one million first, second and third generation people with Agent Orange-related disabilities in Vietnam.

Background to the project

At the end of 2004 there were officially 5,650 people with Agent Orange disabilities living in Hai Duong province. Of those within the working age, just over 50% have a job, while approximately 30% are still in need of job, but have no access to work. This means around half of these people are unable to work either because of their disability, or through lack of access to education as a result of their disability. With little access to work and a social environment rife with stigma and discrimination, disabled people need stability, dignity, income and meaningful work. They want to show their families and community that they are viable, invaluable and contributing members of society.

Project partners

In partnership with the Vietnam Friendship Society in Australia, Union Aid Abroad-APHEDA started a project with the 8 March Employment Centre of the Hai Duong Women's Union to provide vocational training for disabled people in this northern province.

Overview of the project

The vocational training project in Hai Duong consists of two phases involving 50 participants in total (30 in the first group and 20 in the second).

The project promotes education and understanding about the contribution disabled people make in the community. Skills training reduces much of the stigma against disabled people in the community and improves their living standards and self-esteem (especially for young disabled people). The training is in a specific trade, or is designed for job creation, and income generation activities.

Project activities

The Hai Duong Women's Union 8 March Centre, provides vocational training to disabled women and men between the ages of 15-26. They learn embroidery and lace-work, precious stone shaping and cutting, and knitting for export markets. The centre seeks contracts with companies to earn an income for participants while they are receiving training to support themselves and provide support to their families. The demand from import companies far outweighs current supply. Some participants are provided with accommodation at the center.

One young women who stays at the Centre has major mobility disabilities. She says both her parents were soldiers and exposed to Agent Orange in different provinces during the American War prior to 1975. She has become proficient at knitting and crochet, and now has the confidence to enroll in English and computer studies.

When a recruit is selected to take part in the vocational training they are linked with a company to provide them with employment following their training. The courses take around nine months to complete. The trainees have not always attended or finished secondary school. Upon completion of the training over 70% of the youth have gained jobs immediately. There is a 100% success rate for female participants.

Union Aid Abroad-APHEDA's expertise in the area of vocational training has allowed it to develop the capacities of 8 March Centre and Hai Duong Women's Union trainers to interact with disabled students, to share problem solving techniques, and deal with common obstacles associated with vocational training programs. The aim of Union Aid Abroad-APHEDA is to assist the development of 8 March Centre as a fully self-functioning authority, vocational training provider and support centre for the thousands of disabled youth and adults in Hai Duong province. Union Aid Abroad-APHEDA is also working to see similar projects developed in neighboring provinces.

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Last Modified: Wednesday, 21-Mar-2007 11:26:26 EST
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