(HBO)- We visited Thuan Hoa Social Protection Centre in Mai Chau in a rainy afternoon. A 20-square-metre room was teeming with clattering sounds of the fabric weaving loom and over 30 women were busily making brocade pieces in kaleidoscopic patterns. We heard that the Thuan Hoa Centre, and especially its developer Vi Thi Thuan, have been popular in Chieng Chau commune. Thuan is famous for her fortitude and compassion for developing traditional craft products herself and helping tens of women with disabilities work and have stable income.


Photo: Vi Thi Thuan guides and examines products made by women in Thuan Hoa Social Protection Centre.

 

From tough beginning

"Through local people, I myself went to mountainous villages to find women with disabilities, and learnt that they came mostly from impoverished ethnic minority and mountainous communes (under the programme 135). I persuaded their parents to allow them to take on vocational training,” Thuan said. Receiving approval from their families, they were jovial to leave villages to learn traditional craft, she added.

"It’s hard to generate for able people, you know. But it is much harder to create jobs for physically-challenged people as they often fall ill and need intensive care when the weather changes. However, with strong desire to help women with disabilities, I was determined to set up a "house” for my own and those women which warm all up with the love and passion for brocade. I built the centre in 2008 with seven women with disabilities. In the third year (2010), I decided to extend the centre’s reach to rural women who were unemployed and had no income,” Thuan shared.

Thuan said her happiness is seeing these women working ardently every day and together taking care of their home. These women have overcome a complex about their disable situation as well as many early difficulties and produced dozens of brocaded souvenirs branded "Hoa Ban” that are sold at airports, and tourist attractions across the country.

 

 The job has brought a better life for people at the centre where each person earns an average monthly income of 2 million – 4 million VND.

 … Humanitarian journey…

 After a decade working with the passion for brocade and desire to help those in need, Thuan truly understood what she has been through.

 "But the luckiest thing in my life is I always have family and sisters at the centre by my side, sharing and giving me courage,” she said. "Coming from all walks of life, they came here to work and live together.”

 "After many years, I have built a place for them to live together as a big family. At the same time, I taught them how to weave, sew and make products but also let them grow on their own, so that they can open their own business”, she noted.

 "Thuan has always been an outstanding woman in the district for many years, Chairwoman of the district’s Women’s Union Ha Minh Huan said.

 "With her compassion, she has helped and created jobs for many other women in neighboring areas. She stood out in the campaign of learning and following late President Ho Chi Minh’s moral and work style,” she added.

 

Related Topics


Hoa Binh enhances awareness of "Safe and happy school" Project

The Department of Education and Training of Hoa Binh province held a conference on March 18 to review the performance of the "Safe and Happy School" Project and set out tasks for 2025. The project, funded by the Taiwan Fund for Children and Families (TFCF), aims to create a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment for students. The event saw the attendance of representatives from the TFCF and 26 beneficiary schools.

Industrial zone trade unions enhance support for female workers

With over 70% of their workers being women, trade unions across industrial parks (IPs) in Hoa Binh have been actively safeguarding their legal rights and interests while implementing initiatives to improve their income and well-being.

Provincial General Hospital innovate to better medical check-ups, examination

In recent years, the Hoa Binh provincial General Hospital has continuously innovated itself and improved the quality of medical services to meet the increasing needs of local people. With substantial investments in infrastructure and modern equipment, along with a team of highly qualified doctors and nurses, the hospital has gradually established itself as one of the leading medical units in the Northwestern region and a trusted destination for healthcare for people inside and outside the province.

Le Van Tam Primary School’s programming club shines on national stage

From mastering the fundamentals of programming to achieving national recognition, the Programming Club of the Le Van Tam Primary School (STAR LVT28) in Hoa Binh city has made remarkable strides in the field of robotics.

Hoa Binh youth launch “digital literacy” team

The Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union Committee and the Vietnam Youth Federation chapter of Hoa Binh province organised a programme on March 12 to launch the "Digital Literacy" movement and an online quiz on the resolutions of the Vietnam Youth Federation congresses at all levels, as well as the Politburo's Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW on breakthroughs in the development of science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation.

Sustainable forest development tied to environmental protection

As climate change grows more unpredictable, the development of production forests has become essential - not just for economic growth, but for safeguarding the environment and maintaining ecosystem balance. By boosting local incomes, curbing natural disasters, preventing soil erosion, and protecting water resources, these forests play a crucial role in sustainable development.