“Nghe” by Leslie Hanlon

Nghe’s Story (2008)

Almost without fail the first arrival at the craft workshop is Nghe. When asked why she generally rolls up to the workroom at least fifteen minutes before production starts – no matter what the weather – she answers simply: “I’m afraid of being late and missing out on some time with the group”. The benefits of the camaraderie Nghe and her group members have developed at least equal any financial rewards their efforts may produce.

Born into a poor farming family, Nghe contracted polio at the age of five and from that age began walking with her hands. When she was ten she attempted to go to school but, despite her enthusiasm, the distance was too far to traverse using this only means of movement she had. Not daunted she learned to read and write a little at home. By eighteen she was managing to help her mother by shuffling short distances around her house using a crutch. At 23 Nghe finally had medical treatment, but six months of hospitalization produced little improvement in her condition.

The failed operation may have caused some to give up – but not Nghe. She opened a small stall but with her disability found that she was unable to compete with more able-bodied stallholders. Next she tried to find paid work. “I was willing to do anything”, she says, but she failed to get regular work and could not continue with these endeavours. So now she lives with her father and youngest brother’s family and sees her involvement with the craft workshop as a way to ease the financial pressures her living there creates.

Like so many, her lifeline is the three-wheel motorbike provided by Lifestart. Initially her only means of movement was by squatting and propelling her feet by her hands. The immensely tiring effort of doing this had rendered her virtually housebound. Later on, a three wheeled mechanical, push-pull bike gave her greater mobility. Now with her new bike she says she can go anywhere and do the things she needs to and wants to. For instance, last year for eight months she was able to study embroidery in a shop. This valuable experience is evident when one watches Nghe’s meticulous skills on display as she joins Luong and Hoa in making embroidery cards.