People with disabilities empowered

On the occasion of International Day of Persons with Disabilities, 3^rd December 2012, the People with Disabilities Club of Gio Linh town held a meeting themed “Promoting social integration and access for people with disabilities” at the hall of Gio Linh town’s People’s Committee, with the attendance of 50 members and their familys from across the district. The meeting is a part of the “Supporting People with Disabilities in Gio Linh district, Quang Tri province” project funded by Caritas Australia and implemented by the Centre for Sustainable Rural Development (SRD). Attending the meeting were also representatives of local government agencies including, but not limited to, Quang Tri Charity Association, the People’s Committee and Department of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs of Gio Linh District.               

The hopeful eyes of a young mother

In the cozy atmosphere of the meeting, representative of the People with Disabilities Club briefly presented the operation of the club for 2012, in which he highly appreciated the support and activities of SRD in promoting the social integration and living conditions of people with disabilities. 

As part of the meeting, a series of beautiful songs were performed by kindergarten students and teachers of Hoa Mai Kindergarten. Those songs carried the wishes and expectations of people with disabilities that touched the bottom of attendees’ heart. 

At the end of the meeting, SRD presented three outstanding individuals with a prize for their fighting spirit against difficulties and challenges in their lives. These prizes served as a huge encouragement for people with disabilities when the community acknowledged their efforts and contributions to society..

“I will share the stories of these outstanding individuals today with twenty other disabilities clubs across the province. The effective operation of each club is the pre-condition for the establishment of an association of people with disabilities, concentrating on the social integration and interests.” said Mr. Nguyen Kim Van, Vice President of Quang Tri Charity Association.

The meeting provided local people with disabilities an opportunity to share their expectations and touching stories. Through the meeting, people with disabilities were empowered to contribute to society. The meeting was following activity of two previous meetings held by SRD in Gio Hai and Gio My commune, Gio Linh district on 2 December 2012.

-SRD-