NGHE'S STORY

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Almost without fail, the first arrival every morning at the Lifestart Foundation Workshop is Nghe. When asked why she generally rolls up to the workroom at least fifteen minutes before production starts - no matter what the weather - she answers simply: “I'm afraid of being late and missing out on some time with the group”. The benefits of the camaraderie Nghe and her group members have developed at least equal any financial rewards their efforts may produce.

Born into a poor farming family, Nghe contracted polio at the age of five and from that age began walking with her hands. When she was ten she attempted to go to school but, despite her enthusiasm, the distance was too far to traverse using her hands. This was only means of movement she had. Undaunted, she learnt to read and write a little at home. By the age of eighteen, she was managing to help her mother by shuffling short distances around her house using a crutch. At 23, Nghe finally had medical treatment but six months of hospitalization produced little improvement in her condition. The failed operation may have caused some to give up - but not Nghe. She opened a small stall but with her disability found that she was unable to compete with more able-bodied stallholders.

Next she tried to find paid work. “I was willing to do anything”, she says, but she failed to get regular work and could not continue with these endeavors. So now she lives with her father and youngest brother's family and sees her involvement with the Lifestart Foundation Workshop as a way to ease the financial pressures her living there creates. Nghe is much loved and fortunate to have a devoted family. Her younger brother is extremely supportive of Lifestart Foundation's work in Hoi An and is very grateful for the help we have been able to offer his sister.

Like so many, Nghe's lifeline is the three-wheel motorbike provided by Lifestyle Foundation. Initially her only means of movement was by squatting and propelling her feet by her hands. The immensely tiring effort of doing this had rendered her virtually housebound. Later on, a three wheeled mechanical, push-pull bike gave her greater mobility. Now with her new three wheel motorbike she says she can go anywhere and do the things she needs to and wants to. For instance, last year for eight months she was able to study embroidery in town. Previously, travelling into town daily would have been an exhausting task. Nghe has recently had an operation funded by Lifestart. All is well and she has made a speedy recovery.In fact, she was back at the workshop probably sooner than she should have been. The first few days back at workshop she wasn't well enough to make her bookmarks but was happy to be back as part of the group.

In addition to making her Buddha Coin Bookmarks that are selling like "hot cakes", Nghe joins Luong and Hoa in making embroidery cards that are proudly for sale in the Lifestart Foundation Workshop.

It is not hard to imagine just how much Nghe's life has changed. Each day looks a lot brighter now. Sales from Nghe's cards and bookmarks in the workshop have the potential to provide her with a sustainable income stream, something that after all of the disappointments she has faced in life she never would have thought possible.

Visiting Vietnam??? Please pay a visit to the first not for profit shop in Hoi An. The Lifestart Foundation Workshop is located at Viettown,127 Phan Chu Trinh Street, Hoi An. Nghe and the ladies are always delighted to welcome visitors.

If you missed the blog about the Lifestart Foundation Workshop click here... The Workshop: Take 3!

Interested to read more about this inspiring group of people? click here to read the Memory Portrait blog... Memory Portraits: Vietnam



Lots of Love from Karen.

www.lifestartfoundation.org.au



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Visit us at: LIFESTART FOUNDATION WORKSHOP

VIETTOWN

127 Phan Chu Trinh Street,

Hoi An, Vietnam.

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Photos

WORKSHOP
Nghe pictured on the left, making beautiful note cards.

NGHE & PHUC
Lifestart Foundation paid for both Nghe and Phuc to learn embroidery.

PROUD DAD
Nghe's father proudly watches his daughter work.

WORKSHOP
An inspiring group of women!

A HARD WORKER
For years Nghe's father has worked from dawn until late at night, trying to support his daughter.

WORKSHOP
Nghe is pictured making her Embroidery cards.

HOA, SHERRY & NGHE
Hoa and Nghe busy at work under the watchful eye of "Miss Sherry"

FAMILY
Nghe's brothers children watch her embroider.

GETTING AROUND
Before Nghe had her Lifestart Foundation provided Three wheel motor bike she moved around in this old push/pull bike. Nghe lives out of town so getting around was always exhausting.

GIRLFRIENDS
Nghe is pictured giving Hoa a lift home after workshop.

BUDDHA COIN BOOKMARK
Nghe makes these beautiful bookmarks at the Lifestart Foundation Workshop. Click on the bookmark to enlarge the
picture for a better view.

EMBROIDERY CARD
These are the beautiful hand embroidered cards that Nghe's makes at the Lifestart Foundation workshop.

ARRIVING AT THE LIFESTART FOUNDATION WORKSHOP
Nghe is pictured arriving at the workshop on her three wheeled motorbike.

NGHE
Nghe on the steps of the workshop.

Comments

[simon cain]

great
That is a lovely story ,both sad and happy, she looks great and happy to be working with lifestart. I wish her all the best regards simon

[Angela Spinney]

Workshop products
Is it possible to buy the Lifestart Workshop Products here in Melbourne? I have used up all the cards I brought back from Vietnam, and my silk bag has had so many compliments that I want to buy a dozen for presents to send to the UK for Chrismas