PAR PROGRAM FOR THE DALAT ASSOCIATION OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

Caritas Dalat Media • 21/05/2024

The program was held at the hall of Dalat Cathedral on May 20-21, 2024.

The research session, spanning nearly two days, began with May showers. Although the weather was not very favorable, fortunately, all members made an effort to arrive on time, and many even arrived very early.

During the hall setup, a Lunar New Year banner bearing the words "HAPPY NEW YEAR" (CHÚC MỪNG NĂM MỚI) happened to be repurposed to post discussion notes. After several hours, the board was covered with papers of all sizes, obscuring the words "HAPPY NEW..." and leaving only the word "...NEW" (MỚI) visible. This word "NEW" unexpectedly became the focal point for the entire association throughout the research session.

"NEW" in organizational structure

"NEW" in transmitting and receiving information

"NEW" in looking at old issues: when everyone had the opportunity to share their thoughts, difficulties, and long-standing concerns—between the leadership board, branch heads, deputy heads, and members—allowing everyone to understand each other better. On one side was the leadership with their own difficulties, burdens, and pressures; on the other side were the members with their deep yearnings and desires to express themselves. Both sides possessed strengths and areas needing change to build a stronger organization.

During these two research sessions, the entire association had the opportunity to look back on the journey they had traveled, the ups and downs of each event, the resources and mutual support among parties, current difficulties, and future challenges, thereby proposing solutions to implement together.

In that spirit, six new groups were established, including: the Succession Training Group - the Policy Advocacy Group - the Sales Skills Group - the Life Skills/Soft Skills in the Workplace Group - the Handicrafts and Products Group - and the Executive Board Capacity Building Group.

These groups were proposed by the members themselves, and each person—depending on their desires and abilities—could register to join a group with a commitment to work together, participate actively, and support one another.

The 19-year journey of formation and development (2005–2024) is truly a long path filled with proud efforts by the Dalat Association of Persons with Disabilities (PWD). It is hoped that as the association enters this new phase, it will have greater determination, more ideas, and even more active initiatives, thereby growing stronger and helping PWDs fully integrate and be worthily recognized in society!