Vietnam, a country on the eastern edge of Southeast Asia with over 2,000 miles of beautiful coastline, has a population exceeding 100 million. The majority practice a blend of Buddhism, Confucianism, Daoism, and ancestor worship. Less than 1% are Protestant Christians.
Despite remarkable economic growth following decades of war, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) remain marginalized and largely invisible. Educational and employment opportunities are scarce, often leaving individuals isolated at home. Their deepest needs are friendship and belonging—needs the Christian community can uniquely meet.
In a major Vietnamese city, we are working with others to model and mobilize inclusive workplaces and accessible communities where people of all abilities can follow Jesus and help transform society. Our focus is on neurodiverse young adults—those with Autism, Down syndrome, and other cognitive or developmental differences—providing them with job skills training and pathways to meaningful employment.
A few years ago, we launched a locally run, sustainable coffee shop and vocational training center for neurodiverse youth. After completing the program, students receive job placement support through our network of inclusive business partners.
Goers with a background in special education, occupational therapy, psychology, social work and vocational training have the opportunity to join our team in this vision to create more inclusive workplaces and churches. Some ideas for how you can contribute are:
Train our growing team of special education staff in support strategies for neurodivergent youth
Partner with local believers to create more accessible churches
Create a family support network
Background in occupational therapy, special education, social work, psychology or vocational training or other related field
A vibrant relationship with Christ and heart for people on the margins
A passion for inclusion of people with disabilities into all aspects of society
A heart for connecting with people. Vietnamese are highly relational
Bonus: Love for pho and banh mi and adventurous enough to navigate crazy traffic