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Creating Social Change in Vietnam

In recent decades, Vietnam has made commendable strides in improving social and economic conditions for women and families rising out of poverty. But there are still many women and children in areas of extreme poverty in Vietnam who continue to live with the lingering stigma created by centuries of discrimination against women. A lack of education – especially for girls – makes children growing up in poverty even more vulnerable to homelessness and exploitation.

Children whose families can’t afford to pay the fees for their children to attend quality schools often struggle – when they become adults – to find employment that provides enough income to support a family with basic essentials. In addition to women, persons with disabilities and homeless individuals also face cultural discrimination that hinders them from securing safe, dignified housing and employment.

Trades of Hope is partnering with Artisan communities in Vietnam who are providing life-changing opportunities for women, persons with disabilities, and homeless persons to rise.

Ceramic Artisans

Thi Hien’s Story of Hope in Vietnam

I want to work doing anything related to drawing and painting. I studied drawing at a training facility of painters in a local Artisan village. My instructor is a very good teacher and a very skillful artist. We were instructed on how to hold a pen, how to get ink, how to shape, and how to calculate scale. Now, I’m a very skilled painter, and I will stick with this drawing until I get old! I love my work! I’m proud of the products I make!

Without my work as an Artisan, life would be very difficult. My work brings me a good chance to have a stable salary and good working conditions. I can do what I love! I can save more money. I dream of a happy life. I dream that our children will graduate from university and have a good life.

“With monthly savings, soon I will pay off our debt and have more money to take care of our whole family – for a better life.” – Thi Hien, Artisan in Vietnam

Crochet Artisans

This inspiring Artisan community in Vietnam is passionate about providing fair-trade jobs that empower women and people with difficult livelihoods to pursue their dreams. They encourage local villagers who are overcoming disabilities, homelessness, and extreme poverty to not simply become factory workers, but true artists!

Together these Artisans share a passion to inspire all children to dream good dreams! They celebrate their traditional Vietnamese Artisan traditions by creating and promoting play that bonds families together.

More Vietnam Blogs

Click on each photo below to discover more about our Artisan partners and products in VIETNAM.