Employees in the small flag-making workshop founded by Khoi come from different backgrounds. Here they all find joy in work as well as understanding and support from others in similar circumstances.
“I feel much more self-confident having a job. Mr. Khoi is a great teacher. When I first came to the workshop nine years ago, he patiently guided me step by step. Now I’ve become much more skilled,” said an employee.
Another worker said, “I have a good job and new friends. I’m very happy here. Mr. Khoi is an incredibly dedicated teacher.”
Khoi himself also lives with severe physical disability. Born in 1963, he once worked as a technician repairing embroidery machines at the Thang Long Sewing Machine Manufacturing Factory. In 2004, a traffic accident during a business trip caused him to lose one leg and half of his other foot.
After the accident, Khoi came to realize that work was the only way for him to regain his confidence and have a purpose in life. He hoped not only to overcome his own hardships, but help others.
“Daily life became extremely difficult for me after the accident. Since I already had experience in vocational training for industrial sewing machines, I decided to establish a flag-sewing workshop where people with disabilities could both learn and work,” Khoi said.
In 2008, Khoi founded the December 3 Workshop. The early days were filled with challenges, but his family wholeheartedly supported him.
“The biggest challenge was teaching vocational skills to people with disabilities. I spent a lot of time researching teaching methods and adapting the machinery. Since each trainee has a different disability, I needed to develop a different approach,” he said.
In January 2021, Khoi established the December 3 Society Company, which has created more jobs for people with disabilities.
Training at the workshop is free and trainees are even given lunch support. Once they become more skilled, they receive a wage that matches their ability.
“I started learning at Mr. Khoi’s sewing workshop in 2010. At first, sewing was very difficult for me because I couldn’t fully straighten my hand. But after some time, I gradually became more skilled. At the workshop, I get along well with people who share similar circumstances. I’m very happy because I have a job and new friends,” said employee Nguyen Hong Minh.
Khoi has organized a smooth, coordinated workflow. Each person is responsible for a specific task. Some sew straight lines, others sew diagonal seams, while others fold or finish the product. The workshop produces flags in a variety of designs and sizes.
Khoi hopes to expand the workshop so he can help more disadvantaged people earn an independent living and integrate into the community.
