Inspiring the aspirations and willpower of those less fortunate.

PV:Sir, over the years, in its role, the Association for the Protection of Children's Rights and Sponsorship has...people with disabilitiesWhat activities has the province undertaken to care for those who are less fortunate?

Mr. Nguyen Hai Thanh:Over the years, with the attention and involvement of all levels and sectors, assistance for people with disabilities in the province has achieved quite basic results. Accordingly, more than 59,000 people with disabilities have received regular allowances in the community and have been issued health insurance cards; many short-term vocational training courses suitable for people with disabilities have been maintained; and medical examinations and treatment for people with disabilities have been given attention and organized…

After 12 years of operation, the various levels of the Association have mobilized funds in cash and in kind, totaling over 185 billion 316 million VND, providing cash assistance to 400,000 people with disabilities, orphans, and other vulnerable groups.

The Provincial Association for the Protection of Children's Rights and Support for People with Disabilities donated cows as a livelihood aid to disadvantaged families of people with disabilities. Photo: CSCC

PV:When we talk about people with disabilities, we often acknowledge the inspiring examples of those who are "disabled but not defeated." How would you assess the efforts of people with disabilities to overcome challenges in recent years?

Mr. Nguyen Hai Thanh:In Nghe An province, people with disabilities account for approximately 7% of the population. Many people with disabilities face difficulties integrating into the community, living in precarious conditions, lacking employment, and having limited access to services such as healthcare, education, and vocational training. However, through its efforts and various activities, the Association has inspired people with disabilities to truly strive to overcome their own and societal insecurities and find work that benefits themselves and their families.

The program honored collectives and individuals who received the "Golden Lotus of Compassion in Nghe An" title in Quynh Luu district. Photo: CSCC.

The association also organized exchanges and gatherings to honor outstanding disabled people and orphans on themes such as: Disabled people and orphans overcoming their challenges, and gatherings of disabled entrepreneurs… to inspire aspirations, willpower, and determination to overcome difficulties in life, giving them confidence and allowing them to live in the love, care, support, and protection of their families and the community.

Therefore, despite facing many difficulties, many people with disabilities have created jobs suitable to their health and circumstances, such as livestock farming, production, and services. In addition, many have boldly expanded their production and business, establishing enterprises that create jobs and provide stable and comfortable incomes for many others. These are truly exemplary examples of the spirit of overcoming adversity – "disabled but not defeated."

PV:He previously served as Deputy Director of the Department of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs and has been involved in the province's disability support work for 12 years. Throughout his career, what has been his biggest concern, especially regarding the implementation of support policies for this group?

Mr. Nguyen Hai Thanh:Compared to the general population, people with disabilities are less fortunate. I deeply sympathize with and share the plight of people with disabilities because they suffer disadvantages in terms of physical appearance and health, including some who are victims of Agent Orange/dioxin, and war invalids. Furthermore, the majority of them belong to poor or near-poor households, facing significant economic and living conditions, which they and their families must bear.

Ms. Nhu Hoa, an exemplary disabled person who overcame adversity in Vinh City, has created jobs for many disadvantaged workers in similar circumstances. Photo: My Ha

Over the years, despite the attention from the Party, the State, and social organizations, people with severe and particularly severe disabilities, especially victims of Agent Orange/dioxin, still face significant difficulties both mentally and materially. Perhaps the State needs to provide more preferential treatment, and the community's concern and support are crucial for these vulnerable individuals.

PV:We are celebrating the 30th anniversary of International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Among the three main themes of this event, one is particularly meaningful: building and raising awareness among people with disabilities themselves to eliminate barriers, feelings of inferiority, and their invisibility in society. So, in your opinion, why do some people with disabilities still feel inferior? Are there still societal barriers?

Mr. Nguyen Hai Thanh:The protection of the rights of people with disabilities and the implementation of policies to assist them have always been deeply concerned about by the Party and the State. Simultaneously, priority has been given to allocating resources to ensure the implementation of policies, programs, and projects to assist people with disabilities, enabling them to access loans, social assistance, care, and rehabilitation.

Mr. Nguyen Hai Thanh (far right) and representatives from business organizations present support to people with disabilities facing difficulties. Photo: HBTCC

However, despite these efforts, social barriers remain due to inaccurate and incomplete perceptions among the community, families, and the people with disabilities themselves. A segment of people with disabilities lack the confidence to overcome their circumstances and have not received timely support to integrate into the community. They have also not made an effort to participate in and benefit from the government's support policies for people with disabilities.

In reality, many people with disabilities still lack access to vocational training, job placement assistance, and loans to develop their businesses.

In recent years, family and society have developed a more positive view of people with disabilities. However, congenital disabilities or other causes of disability still plague them throughout their lives and remain a burden on their families and loved ones. I believe that when families and loved ones truly see people with disabilities as those who bear the difficulties and misfortunes for themselves and for society, and everyone empathizes and shares their burdens, then feelings of inferiority and barriers will be overcome.

PV:Clearly, given their unique challenges and difficulties, the journey of integration, self-improvement, and self-mastery for people with disabilities is a long and arduous one. Therefore, in your opinion, what should the State and the province focus on in the coming period to support people with disabilities both materially and spiritually? What solutions does the Association for the Protection of People with Disabilities have to connect with and support people with disabilities throughout the province?

Mr. Nguyen Hai Thanh:General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong wrote, "We need a compassionate, united, and mutually supportive society, oriented towards progressive and humane values."

The Association for the Protection of Children's Rights and Support of People with Disabilities provides assistance to poor and near-poor households with disabled members in Tuong Duong district. Photo: CSCC

Directive No. 11/CT-TU dated November 8, 2021, of the Standing Committee of the Nghe An Provincial Party Committee on assisting people with disabilities also clearly stated: It is necessary to improve the quality and effectiveness of the activities of organizations for people with disabilities and organizations for people with disabilities. In addition, it is necessary to consolidate, strengthen, and synchronize the organizations for people with disabilities and organizations for people with disabilities from the provincial to the grassroots level, and strongly innovate the content and methods of operation of these organizations according to the motto "Strengthening solidarity, proactively striving for compassion, equality, and community integration."

That is also a task that the Association must thoroughly understand and implement in 2023 and the following years. To help people with disabilities overcome difficulties, I also hope that the Party and the State will continue to improve policies and laws on people with disabilities and the work of assisting people with disabilities. In particular, emphasis should be placed on breakthrough policies to enhance access to education, vocational training, job creation, and the development of stable and self-reliant livelihoods for people with disabilities.

In building and implementing livelihood models for people with disabilities, the focus will be on vocational training models linked to employment in businesses and production facilities; vocational training models linked to livelihoods for people with disabilities; and community-based rehabilitation models…

Looking ahead, I hope that Party committees and authorities in districts and communes that do not yet have disability associations will focus on strengthening their organizations in 2022 to work for the legitimate rights and interests of people with disabilities, providing them with a common home to help them integrate into the community, fulfill their civic duties, and contribute to the socio-economic development.

PV:Thank you for taking the time for this conversation!

My Ha