Workers at the 'Leather Hospital'

Although they are disadvantaged and physically and mentally handicapped, the workers at the "Leather Hospital" still work hard every day, making every stitch and layer of paint, trying to create a handmade collection printed with the red flag with a yellow star, as a way to express their patriotism with their own hands and perseverance.

Leather bags, keychains, handmade wallets printed with the national flag - products of the project "I am good" made by disabled people at "Leather Hospital"

Photo: Hoang Nam - Thuy Duong

Ms. Tran Phuong Trang (38 years old, living in Hoang Mai Ward) has a congenital facial deformity and memory loss. Previously, she studied at a pharmacy college with the hope of having a stable job, but was repeatedly rejected because of her appearance.

Over time, she became more and more isolated. When the Covid-19 pandemic hit, her online handmade business could not be maintained. She returned to the office environment, but not long after, she discovered she had cancer.

Thanks to an acquaintance's introduction, Ms. Trang was accepted to work at the "Leather Hospital". Here, she was instructed in her profession and joined the workshop's communications department. For the first time, she was able to contribute to the production process of a collection bearing the red flag with a yellow star, and she found true meaning in her work.

"I'm not fast or beautiful, but I can still create something valuable. Especially when that product carries the image of the Fatherland, I feel very proud," Trang shared.

Another member working here is Ms. Nguyen Hang (30 years old), also living in Hoang Mai Ward. Ms. Hang has an intellectual disability, unstable memory, weak health and has had little contact with outsiders since childhood. Having no friends, not confident to go out, Ms. Hang often just stays at home. However, in her heart, she always wants to do something useful, at least to help her parents financially .

Thanks to the introduction of the ward disabled association, Ms. Hang was accepted into the workshop. In the early days, she learned the job very slowly, often making mistakes, smearing paint, and forgetting the process. But with the patient guidance of everyone in the workshop, she gradually got used to it and knew how to perfect each leather detail.

The first time she was assigned to make a product with the image of the national flag, she said: "I'm not good at it yet, but seeing the flag on the product, I want to do it carefully. Even though the effort is small, I feel very happy."

Everyone is good in their own way.

The stories of Ms. Trang, Ms. Hang and other members of the "Leather Hospital" have proven one thing: just given a chance, wounded hearts can still shine. The person who laid the foundation for that opportunity is Mr. Nguyen Van Phuc - the founder of the workshop.

Mr. Phuc guides students to complete handmade products.

Photo: Hoang Nam - Thuy Duong

Having spent his childhood shining shoes on the streets, Mr. Phuc always pondered the question: "Do people who are not healthy have nothing to give?". From that thought, he founded "Leather Hospital" - a handicraft workshop for the disadvantaged.

In early 2025, Mr. Phuc's "I am good" project was born, with the affirmation that "everyone is good in their own way". The project marked an important turning point when it launched a collection of handmade products printed with the national flag, celebrating the 80th anniversary of National Day, September 2.

From leather bags, glasses cases, leather wallets to key chains, each product is completed by the hands of people with disabilities. "I don't want customers to buy the product out of sympathy, but because they find it beautiful, high quality, and worthy," Phuc shared.

He said that the working process at the workshop always requires meticulousness, patience and seriousness. Each product must be of the best quality, as an affirmation of the value and capacity of the workers here.

Thanhnien.vn

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/nhung-nguoi-tho-o-benh-vien-do-da-18525082119002187.htm