Vietnam’s Vun Art has been chosen by the Intrepid Foundation as one
its 22 new nongovernmental organisation (NGO) partners in 2023.
New partners are primarily smaller, local organisations that would otherwise not receive international attention or support.
Vun Art empowers individuals with disabilities by providing job training and employment opportunities in Vietnam.
There are approximately seven million people with disabilities living
in Vietnam, and of them only 36% are employed. This is largely due to
the lack of suitable jobs and the prevalent social stigmas, Intrepid
says.
Donations made by the Intrepid Foundation directly support Vun Art’s
training programmes, transportation and equipment, aimed to expand
cultural and creative employment to different abled individuals.
One example of Vun Art’s efforts: Van Phuc silk village, an ancient
renowned silk village in Vietnam, discharges approximately 10,000 kg of
silk scraps each month. Vun Art directly tackles this environmental
issue by reusing these silk scraps for their artwork programmes.
The Intrepid Foundation, which was set up in 1999 and has donated
more than A$12 million ($US8m) in the past 20 years, empowers travellers
to deepen their impact and support economic, social, and environmental
causes through donations, awareness, and traveller education.
Last December The Intrepid Foundation welcomed new general manager,
Biheng Zhang, to grow the Foundation’s global reach and deepen the
connection between Intrepid customers, local issues and partners.
In the first quarter of 2023, the Foundation raised A$308,000 (US$207,000) for their Türkiye and Syria Earthquake Appeal, which includes matched donations from Intrepid.