Where We Work
Vietnam
Vietnam has made significant economic and social progress since the end of the Vietnam War in 1975, however poverty and inequality remain. 
The after-effects of landmines and chemical warfare are seen in the large numbers of people living with a disability. In rural areas, in particular, people with disabilities may experience discrimination and stigmatisation.   Â
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The impact of your support in Vietnam
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Participants of the I-SHINE program in Quang Nam province, Vietnam. Photo: Serena Frost/Caritas Australia
Vietnam
Population: 98 million
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Young people living with a disability can learn vocational training skills to earn an income.
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Specialised doctors and physiotherapists can provide regular rehabilitation visits.
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Thu (left) helps make incense sticks with fellow members of his VSLA (Village Savings and Loans Association) group near his home in Quang Tri province. Photo: Phan Tan Lam/Caritas Australia
People living with a disability can become financially independent.
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Thu and his wife, Linh. Photo: Phan Tan Lam/Caritas Australia.
Vulnerable communities can adapt to the challenges of climate change.
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Thu fixes a bicycle at his home in Quang Tri province, Vietnam. Photo: Phan Tan Lam/Caritas Australia
Thu's story
When Thu was 12-years-old, he lost his leg after stepping on an unexploded land mine, a remnant of the Vietnam War that devastated much of the country. Living with a disability in rural Vietnam presented many challenges for Thu, who worked mainly as a rice farmer. After, his wife, Linh, suffered a stroke, Thu also had to take on the additional role as the carer for his wife. Â
Thu joined the Empowerment of People with Disabilities program, supported by Caritas Australia through our local partners, the Sustainable Centre for Rural Development (SRD). Through the program, Thu learnt livelihood, financial and independent living skills and also joined a Village Savings and Loans Association (VLSA) where he could interact with other people with disabilities.
The VLSA helped Thu to obtain a loan so that he could set up a barber shop and earn extra income to support his family. The project also helped Thu to build an accessible toilet for Linh, who has also become more independent thanks to the support of a physiotherapist. 
She is my wife and we have been living together and depending on each other, I am the one to be there with her and for her. She almost lost herself after the stroke and had to lean on me. I could understand how she felt because I had experienced the same at the age of 12 after a landmine accident took one of my legs.
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Thu's story
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