Psychological Counseling Room: When School Becomes Place of Healing
	Save the Children: Improving Reproductive Health, Paving Way for Sustainable Future

With a pen in hand, sketching dreams

"I earned the first income of my life, a small amount but truly meaningful. Now I know that those who give their all to pursue their dreams will be rewarded," Tu shared with a proud smile.

The Applied Fine Arts class under the project "Promoting an enabling environment for youth with disabilities to access sustainable employment opportunities." (Photo: Save the Children)

At first glance, few would know that Tu had endured an extremely difficult childhood. At the age of six, he contracted Japanese encephalitis and completely lost the ability to hear and speak. From a healthy boy, he became hearing and speech-impaired. "Every time I saw my son try to speak but couldn’t, tears would well up in my eyes," his mother recalled emotionally. Yet despite all odds, Tu wrote his own inspiring story of resilience, with the support of Save the Children.

Tu's educational journey began later than his peers. It wasn't until the age of ten that he was able to attend a specialized school for the hearing-impaired, where he learned the alphabet and sign language. Thanks to the dedication of his teachers and his own determination, Tu not only caught up but also discovered a strong passion for art. From that moment, becoming an artist became the dream he was determined to pursue.

A turning point came when the project “Promoting an enabling environment for youth with disabilities to access sustainable employment opportunities” was implemented at his school. Recognizing Tu’s passion and talent for art, the project enabled him to join the Applied Fine Arts class. There, he was guided in creating keychains, canvas bags, and decorative paintings. More than just a class, it was a space where Tu discovered his potential and nurtured his dream of making a living through art and handicrafts.

After two months of dedicated learning, Tu completed his first handmade products and began selling them. Holding 2.5 million VND, his very first earnings, in his hands and proudly showing them to his family, his eyes sparkled with joy, and his smile radiated the sense that a promising future had just opened before him.

Tu confidently shares his thoughts during a workshop organized by the project. (Photo: Save the Children)

Tu’s journey did not stop at vocational training. He went on to participate in exhibitions and confidently spoke before hundreds of people at workshops organized by the project. The joy and happiness felt by families with children with disabilities like Tu’s, upon witnessing such transformation, is beyond words.

Opening future pathways for disadvantaged youth

Tu’s story is a testament to how far young people with disabilities can go when given appropriate opportunities for education and training. With the support of the project “Promoting an enabling environment for youth with disabilities to access sustainable employment opportunities,” young participants have gained career orientation, vocational skills, and access to suitable employment.

According to Pham Thi Bich Ngoc, Technical Advisor for Child and Youth Poverty Reduction at Save the Children Vietnam, during the project design phase, the organization conducted surveys and assessed the needs of over 300 youth with disabilities in Ho Chi Minh City, while also consulting with social organizations, disability networks, and vocational training institutions.

The workshop “Supporting employment and vocational training for youth with disabilities in Ho Chi Minh City” was co-organized by the Ho Chi Minh City Association for the Support of People with Disabilities and Orphans and Save the Children on June 20, 2023. (Photo: Save the Children)

“Based on the findings from these surveys and consultations with partners, youth, and stakeholders, Save the Children identified appropriate approaches and interventions, focusing on equipping youth with life skills, vocational skills, and career orientation. The organization also places great emphasis on guiding and supporting parents and caregivers to help children develop comprehensive skills.

Activities such as company visits and career introduction videos were designed to make learning more accessible. These solutions also help remove barriers and ensure effective access and benefits for the participants”, shared Pham Thi Bich Ngoc.

Since 2020, Save the Children has implemented numerous programs supporting disadvantaged youth across Vietnam, targeting diverse groups such as youth with disabilities, ethnic minorities, migrants, and gender-diverse individuals. All projects adopt a common approach of placing youth at the center of interventions, from design and implementation to evaluation.

The organization focuses particularly on helping young people develop life and vocational skills tailored to their circumstances, while also creating practical opportunities such as vocational training, internships, or access to the labor market. In parallel, Save the Children collaborates with local partners and businesses to expand sustainable employment opportunities for young people.

“Entrepreneurship or vocational training is not merely an economic solution; it is a way for disadvantaged youth to confidently take control of their futures,” Pham Thi Bich Ngoc affirmed. “We will continue to focus on supporting youth in developing practical life and vocational skills, while working alongside parents, schools, and social organizations to build a sustainable and feasible career pathway for them.”

(*) Names have been changed to protect personal data.

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