(VNF) - The opening of exhibition “INCLUSIVE COLOUR”, a program jointly organised by the Embassy of Finland in Vietnam and Inclusive Development Action (IDEA), was held at the Museum of Vietnamese Women in Hanoi on April 13^th.

Ms. Dang Huynh Mai (second, left), Chairwoman of the Vietnam Federation on Disability, Mr. Ilkka-Pekka Similä, Finnish Ambassador to Vietnam (middle) and Ms. Nguyen Hong Oanh (second, right) , IDEA Director, cuts the red ribbon.

The event was aimed to honour the 18^th anniversary of Vietnam National Day of People with Disabilities (April 18^th). It is also part of Finland's 100 programs in Hanoi to celebrate the 100^th anniversary of independence of Finland.

The photo exhibition displayed 150 photos taken by 30 photographers with disabilities, members of Thai Nguyen City’s Association of People with Disabilities, result of a training program empowering people living with disabilities to fulfill their artistic aspirations through photography.

The exhibition is also part of project “Promoting inclusion of people with disabilities in Vietnam” implemented by IDEA and financially supported by the Embassy of Finland.

Finnish Ambassador to Vietnam, Mr. Ilkka-Pekka Similä gives a speech at the event.

The opening ceremony attracted nearly 200 visitors including the Finnish Ambassador to Vietnam, Mr. Ilkka-Pekka Similä and Ms. Nguyen Hong Oanh, IDEA Director. The guests enjoyed traditional Vietnamese music and some of the authors were present to introduce their work to the media and visitors.

“We have some disabilities in our body but no disability in mind and will. Each day goes by, we try to improve ourselves,” Nguyen Van Hoa, member of Phuc Triu Commune’s Association of People with Disabilities, under Thai Nguyen City, said.

“Through these photos, we wish everybody sees our determination and tireless efforts for a better life. We understand that through our spirit and will, along with encouragement from our family and support from the community and society, we will overcome all barriers to integrate,” he added.

At the opening day on April 13^th.

“Upon visiting the exhibition, you will realise ‘each life is a novel.’ We respect and adore Hien, Sinh, Son, Hoa, Khai, Nham and others. They are the real artists, never retreating from their destiny but always confidently holding their heads high,” Nguyen Hong Oanh, IDEA Director, said.

The exhibition will be open until April 23^rd and is free of charge./.

Translated by Minh Chau