(VOVworld) – Nguyen Hong Ha was born with paralyzed legs as his father was exposed to Agent Orange/ Dioxin during the war against the American. People thought Ha would live dependent on the care of his family and society. But he has overcome his handicap to become the owner of a garment factory. Ha not only provides jobs for local people with disabilities but also inspires them to nurture dreams and to be confident in life.

Nguyen Hong Ha has overcome his handicap to become the owner of a garment factory

Nguyen Hong Ha passed the admission exam for Hanoi University of Foreign Languages in 2000. Every day,
he drives his three-wheel motorbike to the university. Ha said he studies to improve himself and become a useful person. After graduating in 2004, Ha was recruited to work at a trading company that employs people with disabilities in the northern province of Thai Binh. Ha understood the difficulty of living away from parents, the hardship of earning money through sweat and tears, and the need for love and sympathy from other workmates who are disabled. Ha wanted to do something to help other people in this situation. "I deem it necessary to do more to help people with disabilities like me. I hope they will try to transcend their misfortunate and realize their dreams. I hope those living in remote, isolated areas will strive harder. We have more advantages living in the capital of Hanoi." Ha said.

In 2005, with his family’s financial support, Ha opened the Nguyen Hong Ha garment company, which hires mainly poor and disabled people. Director Ha has established relations with garment and textile exporting companies to ensure stable work for 40 employees, half of them disabled.  Their monthly income ranges from 100 to 150 USD. Ha offers accommodations for those who are not local. Hoang Ngoc Dinh is one of Ha’s employees. "People here have a good relationship and care for the disabled. Ha has created good working conditions and we have sufficient income. Ha always strives forward and he is a model for others."

Nguyen Hong Ha and children with disability

Ha plans to expand his factory to 2,000 square meters to generate jobs for about 150 disabled workers. "This is a charity program and I call for support from generous people inside and outside the country and from non-governmental organizations. My project is to build a factory, a training facility and a showroom to display our products. We can afford the 2,000 square meters of land but can’t yet afford the construction."

In addition to doing business, Ha is active in social work. In 2010, he was elected President of the Hoai Duc Association of People with Disability, which has 130 members. Ha is pursuing a PhD degree in foreign languages under the joint-educational program of Hanoi University and Australia’s Victory University. Ha said his happiness cames not only from his family but also from helping other people with disabilities to have useful lives.

Ngoc Thach