My name is Phan Thi Suong. I was born in Ninh Thuan province which is near Nha Trang. My birthday is the fifth of June 1992. There are 6 people in my family, my parents, 2 older sisters, 1 younger brother and me. My father has a physical disability as well as my 2 older sisters and myself. When I was 6 years old, my right foot began to bend to the left, my arms slowly tightened. My mother sells steamed fish to help earn money. In 1998, I had a chance for an operation on my leg but the doctor said they could not do much to help my disability.
I did not have a chance to go to school when I was young. The reason was that my parents wanted to give my oldest sister a chance to go to school first. The children on my street all knew of our family’s disability. They always teased us. I was very sad but I could not talk to anyone about it. I did not have any friends.
When I turned 18, I asked my parents to go to a disability training school in HCMC. My parents agreed and let me go. Since I could not read or write my teachers would not let me learn computer. I learnt to read and write in 2 years and then I was happy.
A few months ago, one of my friends, Tien who works for Company of Grace asked me if I wanted to join her to work for the company. I met Peter and accepted the offer. Everyone at the centre is very friendly and welcomes me. I am learning English and Computer. I also help Tien to prepare meals for everyone at the centre. I now have more confidence to speak English and use computer.
My dream is to come back to my hometown and open an English class for the children.
We believe we are unique in that 90% of all our staff have a disability (as we still need 10% who are abled bodied to do all the things that people with disability can’t do). Not only that, but these staff with disability are actually managing and running the Grace centre.
Needs
Each of our staff with disability needs support to help them with operation, further training & education to help them find employment, and mobility equipment.If you have any further enquiry please email us: info@companyofgrace.com