Story of Change
"I have always been aware of the need to strive forward, but it was only when I joined ACDC’s project that I truly understood I have the right to live freely and the full ability to take control of my own life. It was only then that I dared to think and dared to act."
Ms. Nguyen Thi Ha persistently pursues the traditional craft of hand embroidery
Ms. Ha’s house is located in the peace-ful space of Huong Thuy town. Amidst the colorful space of thread and cloth, Ms. Ha “paints happiness, embroiders dreams” with her own efforts in the traditional hand embroidery craft. “The difficult times are long past since I learned to look at life in a gentle way. Everything happens for a reason, and my difficulties are no different. I do not blame fate, but on the contrary, I see it as an opportunity to know how far I can go.”
Ms. Ha’s embroidery workshop contributes to creating livelihood opportunities for persons with disabilities in the community
Perhaps the journey to be able to live independently, be economically self-sufficient and create jobs for others is a long and arduous one. That dream was given more strength and encouragement to become a reality when she participated in ACDC project activities - where she was inspired by independent living and self-confidence. From there, she took more steps and was ready to change. In 2023, Ms. Ha established a traditional hand embroidery workshop, creating jobs for herself and many persons with disabilities in the community while providing free hand embroidery training.
Ms. Ha actively participates in independent living counseling activities, inspiring fellow persons with disabilities
She is also one of the active members in home-based visits to provide independent living advice for persons with disabilities. During these trips, she is an enthusiastic guide, as well as a source of motivation and encouragement for other persons with disabilities to strive to overcome difficulties. Gradually, the skills of peer counseling, identifying the priority issues of persons with disabilities, or the skills of exchanging and connecting with local agencies to support persons with disabilities have become her strengths in her work. “I feel very happy to be able to provide counseling like this because I can not only directly counsel persons with disabilities in the same situation, but learn and exchange more experience, and inspire everyone. These are really meaningful and emotional trips.”
The artisan Nguyen Thi Ha threads needles to embroider fresh and beautiful products for life. And still, that woman, after three years of participating in ACDC project activities, has become a source of inspiration “persistence and perseverance” for many people. Flowers have bloomed on barren land and beautiful cacti in the yard like her smile after what has been done and given.
