While working with the Vietnam Blind Association in Hanoi on July 21, Mr Triet praised the association for its achievements during the past 40 years, saying it has become a common centre where visually impaired people can share sympathy and help each other surmount difficulties in their lives.

He noted that occupational rehabilitation services have offered the blind a chance to get a steady job, helping them overcome a deep-rooted feeling of inferiority, and have instilled determination into thousands of members of the association.  

He encouraged the blind to have the courage, burning ambition and confidence to overcome their challenge and become useful citizens. He also asked relevant ministries and localities to make recommendations to the Party and State on ways to improve the lives of blind people.

On this occasion, the chairman of the Vietnam Blind Association, Dao Soat, presented the association’s insignia “For Happiness of the Blind” to President Nguyen Minh Triet. 

The Vietnam Blind Association has established 43 chapters in provinces and cities with a total of 60,000 members. It has loaned more than VND38 billion to its members and established 318 workshops attracting over 4,000 members with monthly incomes ranging from VND500,000-1,000,000 each.