Early April 16, the Blind Associations of TDM city and Di An town held get-togethers to mark the 45th anniversary of the Vietnam Blind Association (April 17, 1969-April 17, 2014).

TDM city’s Blind Association now has 144 members. The national target programs on hunger eradication and poverty reduction have been implemented to 100% of members of the city’s Blind Association. Currently, members of the association enjoy the regular allowance of VND340,000 per person per month and are granted health insurance cards. Their children are also exempted from school fees.

Since its inception, the city’s Blind Association has mobilized organizations and individuals to build 16 unity great houses for blind households in need of housing; helped 526 members get VND1.588bln in loan for economic development; set up massage facilities to create stable jobs for 20 laborers with the average income of more than VND2mln; mobilized organizations and individuals to present 25,482 gifts to members on Tet and great holidays with a total expense of more than VND4.4bln.

*Di An town’s Blind Association now has 51 members. All the members are granted health insurance cards and enjoy the State’s regular allowance. So far, the town’s Blind Association has helped its members get VND390mln in loan for economic development; mobilized organizations and individuals to build 9 great unity houses for needy members with a total expense of more than VND177mln; presented more than 3,000 gifts to members on Tet and great holidays; created jobs for 5 members with massage skills, helping them secure the average income of between VND1.5mln and VND2mln per person per month.

In 2014, the town’s Blind Association will actively improve its operational methods, helping members enhance their quality of life, rise up and integrate into the community.

Reported by Kim Chi-Kim Nguyen-Translated by K.T