Lam's story, Vietnam
Lam, a young man from rural Vietnam with a passion for graphic design, faced limited career prospects due to his disability. With support from the I-SHINE program, he pursued IT training and now runs a successful freelance graphic design business.
Lam is working as a freelance Graphic Designer from his home in Quang Nam, Vietnam. Photo: Caritas Australia
Prior to support from the I-SHINE program, Lam felt increasingly isolated. Here, Lam reflects in his family home in Quang Nam, Vietnam. Photo: Caritas Australia
Growing up in rural Vietnam, Lam dreamed of becoming a graphic artist but faced limited opportunities due to his physical disability.
When Lam graduated high school, many of his fellow students pursued their career aspirations at university, studying to become doctors, teachers and other vocations. But Lam's physical disability meant there were few vocations available to him. Without access to any employment opportunities, he stayed at home with his parents in their rural home in Quang Nam province in central Vietnam.
His future career prospects seemed limited, and he spent most of his time at home completing household chores with his family, harvesting vegetables, feeding chickens and cooking meals. Lam felt increasingly isolated and felt disconnected from his friends, from society and from his dream of becoming a graphic designer.
It's a struggle to feel like we fit into society, and our limited mobility makes it hard to access jobs or education.
Around 6 million people live with a disability in Vietnam
Through the I-SHINE program, supported by Caritas Australia’s partner in Vietnam, Catholic Relief Services (CRS), Lam was able to pursue his dreams and become more independent. He enrolled in a six-month IT Technician training course in Da Nang that not only equipped him with professional skills but also rekindled his social connections and confidence.
As a person living in a small rural town, the prospect of commuting to the large city of Da Nang to study was initially daunting for Lam, who had never travelled that far from home. But despite his mobility challenges, Lam was excited to venture out into an urban city to pursue his dreams.
“When I got the chance to be a part of this program, I was over the moon – just bursting with excitement and joy,” Lam said.
Lam sits with Catholic Relief Services (CRS) staff where the I-SHINE program is run. This program supported his completion of an IT training course. Photo: Caritas Australia
Lam and other I-SHINE program youth with a disability, supported by Catholic Relief Services (CRS), create and sell handmade flowers in Quang Nam province. Photo: Caritas Australia
With the knowledge and skills gained from the course, Lam was able to kickstart his own freelance graphic design business from home.
Today, Lam is a successful graphic designer, freelancing for both local and international clients. He is able to make a stable income from his job and he is an inspiration to other young people in his community facing similar challenges.
“Right now, I'm most proud of being less dependent on my parents. They can finally relax knowing I've found a fulfilling career that I'm truly passionate about,” Lam said.
Lam’s story shows what is possible when people with a disability are given the opportunity to thrive and fulfil their true potential. But there are still many other people in Vietnam and across the world who still need the support of people like you so that they are not left behind.
Along with your generous support, this program is also supported by the Australian Government, through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP).
Your donation can help
Participant in the I-SHINE program displaying a handsewn pillow. Photo: Caritas Australia
Support people with a disability to access training courses
Lam standing beside his mother and father in front of their farmland in Quang Nam, Vietnam. Photo: Caritas Australia
Provide disability screenings and early intervention advice
I-SHINE program participant engaging in textile activities in Quang Nam province with the support of Duong from Catholic Relief Services (CRS). Photo: Caritas Australia
Support people with disabilities with rehabilitation devices
