Driving to a new life

“Since Nguyen Quang Ninh got a job as a taxi driver, he looks more mature and stronger," said a neighbour of Ninh’s.

Born into a broken family with his parents separated since he was a child, Ninh had no one to rely on. At a very young age, he started to do various kinds of jobs to survive. He used to work as a bricklayer, transporter, builder and painter. No job ever gave him a stable income.

“I used to get an offer of free vocational training, but because the location was very far from my house while I had no means to get there, I missed it,” recalls Ninh.

With an aim to help school dropouts have a stable job, World Vision in Hai Phong city and local authorities opened a youth club named “Desire for successes”. Ninh was among many other local teenagers who participated in the club where they received career orientation as well as learnt basic life skills and job skills such as driving car.

In mid-2014, after graduating, Ninh got a job at one of the most popular taxi companies in the city.

“Being Desire for Success Club’s member has changed my life. I had a good time learning many new things and sharing my life stories and experiences with new friends,” says Ninh. “More importantly, I now have a job that gives me a stable income that I used to dream of.”

During last year’s peak season around Tet festival, Ninh earned approximately 600 US dollars. He spent 400 US dollars on an electric bicycle and sent the rest to his grandparents. “This year, I will save more money to repair our house. I am sure I can do it,” says Ninh.

Ninh is among 67 most vulnerable youngsters who participated in World Vision’s Youth Livelihood Project in Hai Phong city. So far, 50% of those who graduated the vocational training courses have obtained a job.

Photos and Vietnamese text by Tran Duc, Ngo Quyen ADP