HOW ENGLISH & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IS CREATING A WHOLE NEW WORLD FOR THE BLIND

In previous stories, we’ve highlighted Buy1GIVE1 projects showcasing how e-learning is transforming rural communities, and how urban regions are specializing education for disadvantaged youth. This time, we are shining the spotlight on a project that combines both.

The Australian Charity for the Children of Vietnam (ACCV) empowers the blind in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, through English lessons and computer-assisted education. They call this project their E.L.I.T.E (English Language & IT Education) training program, and I was fortunate enough to spend some time with the students and see their lessons in action.

I quickly learned that, not surprisingly, job opportunities are limited for the blind and visually impaired in the country. Many of the blind just stay at home with their families. I was surprised to find out those who do get jobs often become masseurs. But the students I talked to wanted more, and explained how learning English and computer skills could open so many doors to careers and more connected lives.

Their smiles and laughter were contagious. One teacher, named Chi, commented to me, “we can see, but maybe sometimes we are not happy like them.”

The students told me how much being connected through the internet improves their quality of life. They are able to communicate with the blind all over the world, growing their knowledge base and expanding their horizons.

They are really enthusiastic, they are very smart and they have strong determination,” said Chi. “I admire them. I actually learn a lot from them, they overcome their difficulties and are very happy, optimistic, and I really respect that.

One student mentioned that by learning English and computer skills, he is more eligible to work in hospitality and tourism. He thanks his teachers, program sponsors like Buy1GIVE1 businesses, and a very cool and innovative technology called JAWS.

JAWS software is a screen reader program that enables the blind to use computers through “speech and braille output.” The program can process words on the screen and then a voice repeats them back to the user.

JAWS helps a lot, but ACCV is always on the lookout for ways to expand its program and opportunities for students. A few years back, ACCV sent two of the program’s first students, Dat and Hong, to Australia to pick up some new ideas and tools for the visually impaired.

One student mentioned that by learning English and computer skills, he is more eligible to work in hospitality and tourism. He thanks his teachers, program sponsors like Buy1GIVE1 businesses, and a very cool and innovative technology called JAWS.

JAWS software is a screen reader program that enables the blind to use computers through “speech and braille output.” The program can process words on the screen and then a voice repeats them back to the user.

JAWS helps a lot, but ACCV is always on the lookout for ways to expand its program and opportunities for students. A few years back, ACCV sent two of the program’s first students, Dat and Hong, to Australia to pick up some new ideas and tools for the visually impaired.