Project Compassion spotlights Lam’s journey from isolation to independence

When Lam graduated from high school, his physical disability meant there were few vocations available to him. Without access to any employment opportunities, he stayed at home with his parents in their rural home in Quang Nam province in central Vietnam while many of his friends left to pursue careers.

‘I’ve definitely had my fair share of struggles, that’s for sure,’ Lam says. ‘A big one is just the physical limitations I was born with. Finding work that fits with my interests and abilities is a real challenge too.’

Spending most of his time at home completing household chores with his family, harvesting vegetables, feeding chickens and cooking meals, Lam felt increasingly isolated and far from his dream of becoming a graphic designer.

More than six million people live with a disability in Vietnam. Caritas Australia’s partner in Vietnam, Catholic Relief Services (CRS), developed the I-SHINE program to improve social inclusion for people with disabilities, including children, youth, women and other adults.

When I got the chance to be a part of this program, I was over the moon—just bursting with excitement and joy.

Through the program, Lam was able to pursue his dreams and become more independent. He enrolled in a six-month IT technician training course in Da Nang that not only equipped him with professional skills but also enabled him to rekindle his social connections and confidence.

As a person living in a small rural town, the prospect of commuting to the large city of Da Nang to study was initially daunting for Lam, who had never travelled that far from home. But despite his mobility challenges, Lam was excited to venture out into an urban environment to pursue his dreams.

‘When I got the chance to be a part of this program, I was over the moon—just bursting with excitement and joy,’ he says. ‘It’s been a game-changer, giving me the chance to connect with friends, gain more professional knowledge, and land a job that aligns with my passions and interests.’

I’m most proud of being less dependent on my parents. They can finally relax knowing I’ve found a fulfilling career that I’m truly passionate about.

With the knowledge and skills gained from the course, and support from the I-SHINE program, Lam was able to kickstart his own freelance graphic design business from home.

Today, Lam is a successful graphic designer, freelancing for both local and international clients. He earns a stable income from his job and is an inspiration for other young people in his community facing similar challenges.

‘Right now, I’m most proud of being less dependent on my parents. They can finally relax knowing I’ve found a fulfilling career that I’m truly passionate about,’ Lam said.

He hopes his experience will help others. ‘People like me and countless others are dealing with some really tough circumstances in our daily lives. I realised I could use my story to inspire and motivate my friends facing similar challenges,’ he says. ‘I really hope my journey will show them what’s possible.’

Along with the generous support of Caritas’ donors, this program is also supported by the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP).