I started off today at a primary school interviewing teachers about how children with disbilities are included in our program and how the WV project has supported CWD in this community. These teachers said the same thing that I've heard other teachers say - in theory, inclusive education works really well, but when they are in the classroom and CWD need more attention, it becomes a practical challenge. Unfortunately, they aren't able to get more teachers, but each and every one do their best. They see that CWD should be going to school and they support and encourage the parents to send their children to school.

To my surprise, there isn't a great deal of stigma and discrimintation in Vietnam towards PWD. We have met a couple of mothers who say that their children have been teased in the past by other children due to their disability, which is heartbreaking. I have heard stories of parents who hid their children away because of their disability and they did not send them to school. But one of the great achievements of this WV project is the awareness raising and changing of attitudes amongst the community. Particularly for the children. There's only so much one project can do in three years, but breaking down any stigma and raising awareness of PWD in communities is a fantastic start.

After these interviews with the primary school teachers, we had a bit of a break, so I took a little video of the area for you (check it out in the videos section) so you can see the area where I am. There are lots of ethnic minority groups here. I sat for about an hour and typed up some interview notes, before heading back to Kham Duc town for lunch.

After lunch, I met with two deputy headmasters of schools to hear about how CWD are learning in their schools. They are also responsible for making sure that the teachers are applying the inclusive education methodology that they have been trained on, which ensures that CWD receive teaching that is appropriate to their level and degree of understanding.

After this, we took a motorbike to the house of a child with a disability (see photo above). This beautiful 7 year old boy came out from a back room with a big beautiful smile. His legs and arms are impaired, but he can walk a little bit. He has a wheelchair which he uses to get around if distances are long. His father told us that he was born this way - when I asked whether his mother had any pre-natal check ups the father said no. This little boy is going to school and is very enthusiastic to learn. His favourite subject is reading. He is part of a circle of friends and has lots of friends at school. His parents give him some physiotherapy at night time for his arms and legs. His story was one of hope. I'm not sure what the future holds for him, but I think he's been given a good start by attending school. His teacher also came with us to visit his home and she takes a keen interest in his learning which is wonderful.

Toan (my translator for the day) and I walked back to our hotel, where we enjoyed a bean icecream (not sure what it was to be honest, but on a hot day it was delicious!!!). We had a debrief meeting with all the evaluation team at 5:30 before Julie, Thurza and I had a quiet dinner at the restaurant. While eating we met a couple from Belgium and got chattimg to them about what they are doing in Vietnam and how they are riding motorbikes around the country. They are looking forward to going to Hoi An for a bit of rest. To be truthful, so am I!!!

We have 2 more interviews tomorrow and a visit to a child's home, then we leave Phuoc Son in the afternoon and drive 2 hours to the last project area - Nong Son. We spend three days in Nong Son before heading back to Danang for a final wrap up. I'm having a day off tomorrow, which I'm rapt about. It has been a full on experience and very tiring one, so I'll be glad to just rest and relax for the day!!!