Touching moments
Led by a volunteer, I was handed a blindfold and guided into the hall. Just a few steps in the dark left me dizzy, clinging tightly to my guide’s arm for fear of bumping into something. When the blindfold was removed, I was speechless. Those brief seconds of darkness made me realize how challenging it must be to live, study, and work without sight.
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Blindfolded using computer |
Thanh Thuy, a Hanoi resident who has joined the program three times, shared, “I used to think I was skillful, but when blindfolded, I mistyped everything and couldn’t even mix a glass of water correctly. That experience helped me truly respect the persistence of persons with visual impairment. That’s why I return every year.”
For Hoang Anh, a first-time participant, activities like using a smartphone, reading, cooking, and moving in the dark were both exciting and humbling. “Seeing visually impaired guides confidently lead guests to experience and even speak fluent English inspired me so much,” she said.
Among the participants, Vu Minh Tu, a cheerful 10th grader with a bright smile and a sweet flute tone, stood out. His mother, La Thi Thuy, shared that Tu was born blind but is studying both high school and flute at the Vietnam National Academy of Music. He’s optimistic and independent. He books his own rides to school. He often wishes he could see the world like his younger brother.
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Vu Minh Tu plays piano for his mother. |
After guiding a foreign visitor to enjoy music, Tu hugged his mother and said softly, “I love you, Mom, love you the most. Let me play a song for you.” That simple happiness made participants smile.
Spreading understanding, expanding inclusion
Vietnam is home to about two million visually impaired persons. Their limited vision brings many challenges in education, employment, and community life. “Experiencing darkness” encourages society to shift its view from sympathy to respect and companionship.
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Experiencing paper folding |
Over the past six years, the program has helped change public attitudes and created new job opportunities between businesses and visually impaired workers. In 2025, it returns with more creative activities, from watching films in the dark to attending classes for visually impaired students, trying arts and crafts, music sessions, and even dining in total darkness, all performed and guided by visually impaired participants.
Nguyen Thi Bich Thao, Education Project Manager at Samaritan’s Purse, said, “By letting people experience the world through ‘the eyes of darkness,’ we hope society will better support visually impaired students in their journey to inclusion.”
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“Experiencing darkness” is not just a walk in the dark. It is a journey to see with our hearts. |
According to Director of the Center Pham Duc Nam, 90 visually impaired students took part in this year’s program. “Even as their teachers, we are amazed by their creativity and confidence. It’s a valuable opportunity for them to shine and connect with the community,” Nam said.
“Experiencing darkness” is not just a walk in the dark. It is a journey to see with our hearts.
Translated by Mai Huong