Sunflower Talking Book Library: Cultural support for the blind

The art program “Singing for the Blind” (2nd edition) continues its journey with a new mission of both serving and understanding the blind. (Photo: Ngoc Y)

Not only stopping at bringing knowledge closer to the blind, the Library also established the mission of "Serving the blind - Understanding the blind", aiming to help society listen, sympathize and accompany them more.

Serving the blind

Huong Duong Talking Book Library, under the Talking Book Fund for the Blind, was established in 1998. Over the past 27 years, the Library has persistently produced nearly 5,000 talking books, opening the door to knowledge and reading culture for the blind community across the country. This is the foundation for building the Library's reputation and special position in social life.

In parallel with book production, the Library also implements two major scholarship programs. The Anh Sen Scholarship, established in 2001, has awarded more than 4,500 scholarships with a total value of more than 7.4 billion VND. The Huong Duong Scholarship, established in 2000, has supported more than 1,000 scholarships with a total value of more than 4.7 billion VND, accompanying the long-term learning path of visually impaired students.

In addition, recognizing the important role of technology, the library has opened computer certification exam preparation classes for visually impaired students. At the same time, more than 40 smartphone classes were held in 7 provinces and cities, providing essential skills to more than 500 visually impaired people.

The 20th Sunflower Scholarship Awarding Ceremony for visually impaired students - Photo: Sunflower Audiobook Library Fanpage

Not only stopping at providing knowledge, the Library also expands many activities related to spiritual life such as organizing Chess Tournaments for the blind, giving walking sticks, examining and giving medicine, or taking blind students to the beach for experience.

One of the highlights was the “Light from the Heart” Music Night, where blind people performed with famous artists. The program not only raised funds for audiobooks but also spread the message about the determination, talent and spiritual values of the blind community.

These persistent and diverse activities have created a solid foundation for the Sunflower Audiobook Library in its 27-year journey of serving the blind. From its huge audiobook collection, scholarships to training programs and community events, the Library not only provides knowledge but also contributes to nurturing faith and expanding better life opportunities for the visually impaired.

Understanding the blind

Mr. Tran Anh Khoi, Director of Huong Duong Talking Book Library Center, said that in addition to the orientation of "serving the blind" for many years, in the new phase, Huong Duong also wants to go further with the new mission of "understanding the blind".

From that orientation, the Library will become a common home for the blind, where they study, nurture their spiritual life, affirm their abilities and connect with the community. The Library will also expand its activities to help society better understand the lives of the blind, creating conditions for them to express their talents, learn and contribute to the community.

Over the past two months, homegrown activities have been implemented such as the project "Taking portraits for the blind" and the art performance series "Singing with the blind" (Friday evening, July 26 and Sunday morning, September 14).

We have many ideas, but we cannot do them all by ourselves. This mission and vision need the support of the public and the help of philanthropists to become a reality.
Mr. Tran Anh Khoi, Director of Huong Duong Talking Book Library Center

Up to now, the event has received the support of many kind-hearted people. From the first episode with a simple karaoke speaker, now the library has been sponsored by kind-hearted people with professional sound system, helping the program to be more complete.

At the end of the show, Ms. Thu Phuong, a volunteer singer, gave the blind children small Mid-Autumn gifts, encouraging them to maintain their love of music and will to live.

Huong Duong Talking Book Library gave walking sticks to Ms. Phan Thi Phuong Dung ( Quang Nam ) and Mr. Dao Duy Vuong (Thua Thien Hue). (Photo: Huong Duong Talking Book Library Fanpage)

Mr. Khoi said that in addition to regular cultural programs, Huong Duong Talking Book Library also aims for more diverse activities such as organizing book readings for the blind, building a library or creating a space for the blind to perform musical instruments right in the library yard for visitors to enjoy.

The further goal is to bring these performances to online platforms to help visually impaired people have more opportunities to be invited to participate on big stages, while spreading a positive image and encouraging confidence in the community.

“We have many ideas, but we cannot do them all by ourselves. This mission and vision need the support of the public and the help of philanthropists to become a reality,” said Mr. Khoi.

With diverse and close activities, the library is not only a place to store and spread knowledge through audiobooks, but also gradually becomes a common cultural space for the visually impaired.

There, art is not only for entertainment but also to evoke empathy, helping the community better understand the inner world and life force of the blind. From here, those who lack light can still find joy, sharing and opportunities to accompany the community.

QUANG Y DUONG

Source: https://nhandan.vn/thu-vien-sach-noi-huong-duong-diem-tua-van-hoa-cua-nguoi-khiem-thi-post909462.html