|
Tim’s vision is summarized in these few words: “The aim is to help the most destitute people, to give them the strength and the courage to face life with trust. Having learned a trade, they will be able to be autonomous, and therefore they will feel useful and respected. They will get back their dignity and at the same time a meaning to their existence.” At Maison Chance this vision has become a commitment and now a reality.
Painted in blue, the color of hope, the Take Wings Center is about a kilometer away from the Shelter. Everyday, the beneficiaries who live at the Shelter are brought to and from the center by minibus. Others get there by their own on wheelchairs. The Center is entirely dedicated to education and vocational training. It was inaugurated on February 18, 2006. Influenced by the architectural style of Huê, the old imperial capital of Vietnam, it has a surface area of approximately 1400 m², divided on two floors. The two parts of the building are connected on the floor by several footbridges. Accessible ramps are available to wheelchair bound handicaps while stairs are available for able bodied students and employees.
There are four workshops here providing extensive training in sewing, woodcraft and painting, and the IT. Each workshop has its own teacher. The trainees have several vocational training options based on their physical capabilities and intellectual choices.
|
|
Painting Workshop
Initially designed as an expressive outlet, the painting workshop has taken-off in the last few years and now serves as a true professional project for the beneficiaries, of whom more than half are disabled. The apprentices initially learn basic techniques about drawing and painting. Many of them are today able to carry out graphic design and special painting requests for publicity advertisements, oil paintings, hand-painted greeting cards, as well as creating their own paintings.
|
 |
|
The paintings of these artists are currently sold worldwide in large shopping malls such as Les Magasins du Monde, in online shopping malls such as Overstock.com, in fundraising events as well on our own website.
|
 |
Sewing Workshop
Many basic techniques of seamstress work, as well as embroidery are taught in the sewing workshop in order to help the apprentices in the long term become able, to make products independently from start to finish. The training covers a broad range of techniques in order to accommodate the various demands of the market. They create decorative objects ranging from household linens to handmade embroidery, stuffed animal toys and designing and making clothing.
|
|
IT Workshop
IT is a valuable skill for those whose mobility is particularly limited. Many of them cannot use their hands normally. It is also an outlet to the external world, thanks to the Internet. The courses are divided into several levels. The advanced group learns how to use the utility software in the mornings. The beginners group learns how to use basic software such as word processing in the afternoon. This training is sanctioned by an examination given by a data processing school in Ho Chi Minh City. Recently, many of the graduate from the IT Workshop found IT jobs which will allow them to receive a salary while working at the Take Wing Center.
|
 |
 |
Woodcraft Workshop
Bamboo is one of the most affordable and useful material throughout Asia, and particularly in Vietnam. The woodcraft workshop produces furniture, decorative features for the home and a variety of useful products for every day usage such as chairs, lamps, jewel boxes, book shelves, etc.
|
|
It is through the sale of the products of the workshops that our newly skilled workers find a rewarding activity, not only providing them with needed income for their families, but a sense of dignity and self-confidence in life. So please go to our online Shop and look around at the beautiful products that our artisans have made for you.
|
|
