Coffee shop opens job opportunities for the visually impaired in Hanoi

Cafe More Hanoi was opened in 2024 by the Center for Training Functional Rehabilitation Officials for the Blind under the Vietnam Association of the Blind. This is a coffee shop where visually impaired people stand at the bar, aiming to create a friendly, inclusive and professional working environment.

Students here must be able to see at least 20% or more, capable of using mixing tools as well as assisted vision devices during work.

According to Mr. Pham Xuan Truong, Director of the Center for Training Functional Rehabilitation Staff for the Blind, expanding career choices is an important requirement in the process of creating livelihoods for the visually impaired.

“Disabled people in general and visually impaired people in particular are still facing many limitations in accessing employment. Therefore, leaders and managers at the center need to find solutions to expand their career fields, helping visually impaired people have more conditions to participate in labor and generate income.

More importantly, the job not only brings material value but also helps them affirm their abilities and contribute to the community and society. Beverage mixing is one of the professions that can open up such a direction, creating conditions for visually impaired people to develop their abilities and create practical values," Mr. Truong said.

From vocational training classes, students are equipped with mixing and practicing skills to get acquainted with real work. Ms. Than Thi Thu Hang, 20 years old, started working at Cafe More from November 2024, after a 4-month mixing training course and about half a year of practice.

Before that, Hang had never worked outside and faced many difficulties in finding a stable job due to limited vision. The job at Cafe More helps her earn extra income and gradually become more proactive in life.

Since participating in the mixing training class, Hang has both learned a trade and had a stable job, thereby having additional income for herself and contributing to her family and community. However, in the early days of studying and working, she encountered many difficulties.

For example, when pouring water into a cup, due to limited visibility, the water may deviate or spill out. I have to practice many times. There are days when I spend almost the whole day just practicing how to pour water in the right amount, completing in about 10-15 seconds without spilling water" - Hang shared.

Ms. Hang said that she cherishes and loves the mixing job because the job helps her integrate with everyone, and also has the opportunity to interact with customers, colleagues and teachers. Previously, her living environment was quite limited, almost just at home. Thanks to the job, she has more opportunities to meet, communicate and integrate with the community.

It is known that the Cafe More model is an activity within the framework of the project "Professional training in beverage mixing and job creation for the visually impaired in Vietnam" implemented by the Vietnam Association of the Blind since 2023, with the support of Siloam International organization from funding from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).

In the 2024-2026 period, the project aims to train 36 visually impaired people through 6 courses and open 3 cafes, creating more sustainable job opportunities.

See the original here