Activity
From 23rd – 30th September 2025, Action to the Community Development Institute (ACDC), in partnership with the Gia Lai Department of Health, delivered the first phase of more than VND 400 million (in a full package of VND 500 mil) to 40 households of persons with disabilities in the communes/wards of Tam Quan, Hoai An, Phu My Tay, Phu My Dong, An Luong, Tay Son, Binh Phu, Binh Hiep, Binh An and Binh Khe.
Livelihood models were diversified and tailored to the practical conditions of each household of persons with disabilities, including small-scale retail (grocery), beverage stalls, handmade crafts, and agriculture production (livestock and planting). Support packages ranged from VND 10–20 million per household and covered start-up capital and necessary livelihood inputs. Each model was carefully assessed to ensure economic viability, sustainability and potential for replication within the community.
Model design and technical planning were developed on the basis of detailed individual livelihood plans, with support from a technical team comprising livelihood and agricultural experts from Quy Nhon University, staff from local economic offices, and commune health officers responsible for persons with disabilities. This joint approach ensured that each model matched the needs and capacities of supported households.
Immediately after receiving funds, funded households quickly put their plans into action by purchasing production and business machinery and equipment, repairing premises, and procuring livestock and seedlings. Persons with disabilities and local authorities appreciated the initiative for generating stable income, laying the groundwork for sustainable livelihoods and fostering community inclusion.
Mr. Vo Tan Cuong, Vice Chairman of the Tam Quan Ward People’s Committee, said: “The livelihood support initiative is a practical programme that gives local people greater opportunity to improve their lives. We thank the project for its attention and for partnering with persons with disabilities, and we hope to continue collaborating to support even more persons with disabilities.”
Ms. N.V.X, a person with a disability in Tam Quan Ward, reported: “Thanks to the funding, my family was able to stock more electrical and plumbing supplies for our business, which has increased our income. I hope my shop will grow. Thank you to the project, the local authorities and the staff who have supported us.”
Mr. N.T.H.V, a person with a disability from the same locality, added: “I am very happy to receive a fabric-cutting machine that suits my work. Thank you to the project and local authorities for making this possible.”
After Phase 1, the project team will continue to monitor the effective use of the livelihood seedling fund and will disburse the remaining funds in Phase 2 in November 2025. Support will also include assistance to sustain and expand production activities and enhanced technical support for households with viable models.
The activity is implemented under the “Improving the quality of life of persons with disabilities in provinces sprayed with Agent Orange” Project in Gia Lai and Quảng Ngãi provinces (Inclusion IIb Project), funded by the U.S. Government. The National Action Centre for Toxic Chemicals and Environmental Treatment (NACCET) serves as the project owner. Action to the Community Development Institute (ACDC) is one of the implementing partners under the management of Humanity & Inclusion (HI).
