Empowering Physically Disabled People in Vietnam: A Successful Microenterprise Model

Abstract

Background: Disabled people in Vietnam are some of the most vulnerable to disadvantage. Employment involving microenterprises can provide economic empowerment and wealth generation. This qualitative study aims to address a gap in the literature regarding the establishment of microenterprises for physically disabled people in Vietnam. Method: Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with seven physically disabled individuals, including the founder and Director of ‘Company of Grace’ a non-governmental organisation with a mission to support physically disabled people in establishing their own microenterprises. Company of Grace (COG) supported six entrepreneurs in establishing microenterprises that provided English language instruction to school-aged children after regular school hours. Data were analysed utilising a framework that improves the probability of entrepreneurial success in developing countries. This framework aided in examining the approach of establishing microenterprises by the non-government organisation. Results: The physically disabled entrepreneurs reported earnings above average wages and feeling empowered by participating in the microenterprises. These feelings of empowerment were reportedly associated with greater independence, increased self-efficacy and confidence in planning for their futures. Conclusion: Microenterprises, exemplified by COG’s model, empowered disabled individuals to teach English, enhanced student engagement and fostered confidence and economic self-sufficiency among disabled entrepreneurs, thereby making a notable contribution to entrepreneurship for disability inclusion.

Keywords

• physical disability
• employment
• microenterprise
• Vietnam