A fulcrum to help deaf children integrate into the community

As a non-public social assistance facility, Thanh An Social Work Center (Ha Tu Ward) has been implementing many practical activities to support disabled children, especially hearing-impaired children in difficult circumstances. The center's efforts not only help children have the opportunity to study but also gradually integrate into the community and become independent in life.

Thanh An Social Work Center (Ha Tu Ward) organized a communication skills training course for visually impaired students at the Center, April 2025.

Officially in operation since 2023, Thanh An Social Work Center specializes in supporting and educating deaf children and children with developmental disorders in many localities inside and outside the province. Ms. Vu Thi Lan, Director of the Center, said: Hearing impaired children often encounter many causes such as mothers infected with Rubella during pregnancy, using strong antibiotics, or exposure to stimulants such as alcohol, tobacco, drugs... Right from its establishment, the center has focused on supporting this group of children, because this is the group that needs long-term intervention and companionship.

The center is currently organizing the primary school program for deaf children according to an 8-year roadmap, in which the first 6 years are spent in grades 1 to 3, and the next two years are spent in grades 4 and 5. The teaching staff at the center includes preschool teachers, primary school teachers and social work experts, all of whom are well-trained and have pedagogical skills appropriate to the characteristics of deaf children. Teaching requires perseverance, dedication and flexible methods to help children absorb knowledge effectively. In addition to the cultural curriculum, children are also trained in life skills to increase their independence and social integration.

The Center is currently receiving about 30 hearing-impaired children between the ages of 14 and 18. In addition to studying culture, they are guided to learn a trade to prepare for the future. Many children have mastered a number of jobs such as hair washing, mixing drinks, massage, acupressure, nail care... The Center has provided free support for studying and living for 5 children with especially difficult circumstances, of which 2 children are still being provided free support.

Blind students make drinks at Thanh An Social Work Center.

For those who have completed primary school, if they wish to continue studying at higher levels, the center will introduce and support them to transfer to specialized schools in Hanoi . Those who choose to study a profession will be advised to choose a profession that suits their health and abilities such as laundry, hair washing, bartending, acupressure... Up to now, the center has trained 10 students to be proficient in hair washing, 5 students to know how to massage and acupressure, 10 students to complete the bartending profession, and 2 students to do nails.

According to Ms. Vu Thi Lan, the Center is currently developing a project to provide vocational training and create jobs for deaf children, especially focusing on industrial laundry. The closed model is applied in the "hand-holding" method, from cultural studies to vocational training, then creating jobs at the center. The goal is to help children have stable jobs, ensure income, thereby supporting themselves and integrating into society in a sustainable way.

Not only supporting learning and vocational training for deaf children, Thanh An Social Work Center also provides care and early intervention for children with developmental disorders - a group of children who have difficulty with attention, memory, language, cognition, social interaction, etc. Every year, the center organizes free screening with the participation of experts and specialized doctors, to detect early signs of abnormalities and provide timely intervention solutions, helping children develop stably.

Currently, the center is coordinating with the Provincial Association for the Protection of the Disabled and Orphans to mobilize social resources, calling on benefactors to sponsor machinery, equipment and means to support vocational training. After completing the training program, the children will be assessed and granted vocational certificates according to the law, opening up greater opportunities for them to confidently enter life.

Duong Truong

Source: https://baoquangninh.vn/diem-tua-giup-tre-khiem-thinh-hoa-nhap-cong-dong-3364834.html