ACCV - the journey so far......: And dreams emerge....

A constant source of delight in doing this work is being able to observe the drastic changes that take place in the lives of people who are given an opportunity. It never ceases to amaze me.

I would like to introduce you to Hong (pronounced Hom). She's a delightful young lady, well she’d have to be with a name like Hong .... translated into English her name means Rose :)

Hong became blind as a result of poverty and a minor accident when she was 14 years old. She had a stone in her eye, and due to a lack of medicines, infection took hold, blindness was the result. Hideous.

When we first met Hong in 2007, she was very withdrawn, not unlike many of the young blind students we work with. She became a student in that very first Braille and massage course we put together for Quan. To say this young Rose has blossomed is honestly an understatement.

Back in 2007 Hong was very excited at the prospect of attending classes and learning Braille and massage. Like many young blind people we’ve met, she had spent very long days at home, doing nothing. Suddenly her world had opened up.

Along with learning massage and Braille, Hong also developed a social life, friendships, shared interests and dreams. Like most young ladies she also has a great interest in fashion, and is quite the glamour girl when the occasion suits, including the occasional fashion accessory of a pair of glasses!

It really has been a privilege getting to know Hong. She is alot of fun, a wonderful singer and she has emerged as a very strong student, often leading the class with her work ethic and results.

Recently a seminar was put together with government officials, educators, ACCV staff members and other community groups. Thinking back to the shy, withdrawn young lady I met a few years ago. I can’t tell you how proud I was to sit back and listen to Hong stand up and give an amazing speech about the importance of education for blind people and how it has impacted her life.

Like Quan, Hong has now returned to mainstream education on a weekend. She attends the same high school that accepts blind students on the weekend. She is currently studying a compacted high school course, she intends to go to university.

Hong has really embraced the opportunities that have come her way. In recent times she has mentioned that she would like to become a lawyer. I have no doubt she’ll reach her goals.