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LIGHT UP THE DARK WORLD

VietnamShine - Tactile books, white canes, loan support, etc. are activities and initiatives aimed at assisting the blind in Hanoi, which not only help alleviate their difficulties but also provide them with access to education, healthcare, and the community, enabling them to thrive in life.

In a world where light cannot reach and darkness prevails, some individuals are striving every day to overcome a lot of difficulties and continue to build their own lives with extraordinary determination.

They are the visually impaired, who roll with the punches day by day. They do not experience the world through black and white words on paper, but rather through raised lines and shapes on specialized sheets. In Vietnam, the blind have been progressively integrating into society, accessing new knowledge, and exploring a new world.

Particularly, in recent times, organizations, agencies, units, and individuals have participated in supporting blind people in Hanoi to have access to education, medical care, and daily life. As follows:

Vietnam Blind Association

Tasked by the Party and the State, the Vietnam Blind Association has played a pivotal role, providing assistance and opportunities for the visually impaired across diverse domains.

Over the 55 years of formation and development, the Vietnam Blind Association has achieved many remarkable accomplishments. In addition to organizing literacy classes, vocational training, and job creation for its members, the Association has actively mobilized support from international and domestic organizations. Notably, the initiative "White canes for the blind in Vietnam" has provided over 28,650 white canes along with numerous training courses, helping visually impaired individuals move safely and more confidently in their daily lives.

Giving and instructing the blind people how to use white canes

Source: BaoChinhPhu

Mrs. Dinh Viet Anh, Vice President of the Vietnam Blind Association, stated:

"The Vietnam Blind Association provides loans, vocational training, and job creation for the blind; establishes centralized production facilities and encourages the blind to engage in economic activities with family members. The Association has provincial centers to teach Braille literacy, restore functions, and provide vocational training for the blind in local areas"

Vocational training support for blind people

Source: BaoCanTho

Additionally, the Association offers classes for children to help them acquire skills such as reading, writing, orientation, and self-care. There are centers that provide accommodation for the children, allowing them to attend mainstream schools in the vicinity. After school, they return to the centers where teachers provide guidance and tutoring, helping them with their assignments and revision. Some centers that cannot accommodate the children and facilitate their attendance at mainstream schools support students by returning them to their families after basic courses, enabling them to integrate into their local communities.

Vietnam Blind Association and K-Yodel Association (Korea) support eye treatment for visually impaired children

Source: Vietnam Blind Association

Also, the Vietnam Blind Association, along with schools and families, has implemented many measures to support students in their studies. The Association established the "Network of blind students" to create an environment for students to share experiences and learning methods. The project also supports accessible materials to help children organize meaningful activities.

Over the past 55 years, the Vietnam Blind Association has continuously strived and grown, becoming a solid support for visually impaired people nationwide. With its tremendous efforts and contributions, the Association has been playing a part in building an equal society without discrimination, where everyone has the opportunity to develop and integrate.

“Sharing stories, Sharing life” project

The humanitarian initiative "Sharing Stories, Sharing Life" aims to address the scarcity of reading materials for visually impaired students by providing tactile books that enhance their awareness, vocabulary, and understanding of the world.

Ms. Trinh Thi Thu Thanh, the co-founder of The Clever Hands Library as well as a member of “Sharing stories, Sharing life” project, said:

“By the time when our “Sharing stories, Sharing life” project first came into Vietnam, in 2017, there was a complete lack of tactile books for visually impaired students, especially under 6 years old.”

Ms. Thanh understands a profound truth that for blind students, their hands are more than mere appendages - "For these students, their hands are their eyes" she explained. She knows that reading isn’t just about decoding words; it’s about experiencing the world. Alongside her partner, Louise France, Ms. Thanh seeks to connect young readers with the power of storytelling, fostering early development and lifelong learning.

Ms. Trinh Thi Thu Thanh, Mrs. Louise France, and some volunteers in the "Sharing stories, Sharing life" project

Photo: VietnamShine

The tactile book project is a really ingenious invention in Vietnam. It does open up a new world of sensory exploration. The heart of these books lies in their familiarity. All stories in every book reflect Vietnamese daily life and culture that makes visually impaired individuals interested in exploring and understanding normal life. Ms. Thanh experienced:

"The book's unique feature lies in its beautifully tactile pictures, designed for children to touch and explore their surroundings. The stories are relatable to the experiences of blind children, bringing them joy while reading. The book aims to inspire these children, showing them that despite their disabilities, they can thrive, develop their full potential, and become confident and independent in the right environment."

Source of tactile books for the visually impaired children

Photo: VietnamShine

The Clever Hands Library established by Ms. Thanh has also supported many visually impaired children in Hanoi. Here, children with visual impairments gather, listen to many stories, and explore the book with their hands. Besides, the library also supports lending books to take home to read. In addition, the library also shares books and reading methods on Facebook for parents of visually impaired children.

Ms. Thanh is reading and guiding children in using tactile books

Photo: phnminh

Mrs. Nguyen Thi Binh (Grandma of Hoang Nhat Duy - a visually impaired child in The Clever Hands Library) confided:

"My nephew, Duy has learnt at this library for several months. Duy’s hand dexterity may be limited, but he is very interested in studying here. Through the library’s activities, he explores realms beyond his imagination. We are going to join a field trip to Cuc Phuong forest, and Duy is really excited. My family all want Duy to learn in Clever Hands Library for a long time and have the opportunity to experience more"

Some activities in a reading day in The Clever Hands Library

Photo: VietnamShine

For blind children, they "see" the world with their hands and now the world itself is opening its arms to protect them. Individuals and organizations have lit up the black world in the eyes of the blind so that they can live in a society.

Innocent smile from the visually impaired child

Photo: phnminh

Each project and organization is like a guiding torch, bringing hope and opportunities for visually impaired people to move forward confidently. In the journey of building a society where no one is left behind, let us join hands and contribute to ensuring that the light from those torches never goes out.