Thanh Huyen Massage
Why was it initiated?
This was the first time MESCH had been involved with an individual. Whilst numerous bureaucratic hurdles are thereby eliminated, the risk and perception that we are simply benefiting single individuals had been considered carefully. We believed that Khiem and his wife, Huyen, were capable individuals with a strong belief in equality and social justice. They had a long journey to start this massage business in Da Lat and had a strong commitment to build Thanh Huyen as a successful business enterprise.
Blind people in Vietnam have limited e
mployment opportunities – massage being one of them. There are no subsidised support and training options available to them and business practice, including marketing and sales, is not taught except at university level – an unattainable cost for someone in Khiem’s situation. Local community assistance is limited.
We first met Khiem while we were teaching occupational English at the Lam Dong Blind association. Despite formal academic computer training, his blindness prevented him getting a position in the industry. Needing to support his family, he returned to massage. Huyen had worked in various massage businesses.
Khiem is a very careful person, and he needs to develop trust over a period of time. His willingness to consider this joint project came because he trusted Narelle Cassey from the previous MESCH project with LDBA. He is beginning to trust the rest of us, including Khang Vo, a local long term interpreter for MESCH and known to Khiem.
What are its aims?
Provide stable and dignified employment for visually impaired blind people in Da Lat so they can lead independent lives.
Improve opportunities for their children and other blind people - helping build the community.
When did it start?
Significant meetings with Khiem, his wife and staff in April 2017.
Who has been involved?
Thanh Huyen: Khiem, Huyen
MESCH: Narelle and John Cassey, La Vu Cuong, Amanda Taylor
Interpreters and volunteers: Khang Vo and Vy An (Da Lat)
Other volunteers: Jason Bradley (physiotherapist from Australia)
What's happened?
Repeated meetings established that we were only interested in development and development which was guided by Khiem and Huyen.
They were repeatedly emphatic that they did not want financial assistance though would accept small financial inputs.
Conjoint decisions about marketing steps, production of a business card (thanks to Dianne Swain) and signage.
Jason provided practical education in massage techniques.
Marketing videos in Vietnamese and English produced for YouTube
The client numbers had risen significantly so that they now had a "break even" situation - though this is seasonal work in Da Lat.
Evaluation?
The business continues into 2024 and we have not continued to monitor it.
Khiem is resourceful, committed and a talented masseur. He is somewhat reserved and careful in his business ideas. Although receptive, he is very definite in his views and this makes it hard for him to do "new" things. We have long talks AND breaks for Khiem and Huyen to mull things over.
The staff get on well with Khiem and Huyen and they seem both fair and ethical.
They were appreciative but not dependent on MESCH.
We could have continued English teaching, though, it would be a large capital outlay with no obvious need.
Despite Khiem’s expertise in computing, he may need someone’s help with Facebook and/or webpage in the future.
Want to find out more? Please email
mployment opportunities – massage being one of them. There are no subsidised support and training options available to them and business practice, including marketing and sales, is not taught except at university level – an unattainable cost for someone in Khiem’s situation. Local community assistance is limited. 
