Disabled artisans shine in Hue teahouse project

A US non-profit organisation that has a shop selling eco-friendly products made by disabled artisans in Hue has opened a tea room there.
Healing the Wounded Heart, SPIRAL Foundation's fair-trade shop located on Vo Thi Sau Street, sells products made using recycled materials and traditional Vietnamese textiles.
The shop has now expanded to include the tea room and a patio where tourists can relax and enjoy a cup of tea.
"It is a truly special place: it is not only a relaxing escape from busy Hue, it also supports a wonderful cause," the founder of SPIRAL Foundation, Marichia Simcik Arese, said.
"Our staff are disabled and so HWH provides them vocational training and employment."
HWH donates half of its income to fund heart surgeries. In this manner, they are no longer "disabled" but are empowered to give to those who are even more in need, she explained.
HWH's Tea Room serves Hue teas, including some unique ones like flower tea, which has edible fruits and flowers, Hue me xung (sesame sweets), and some other local snacks.
The staffs have been trained in traditional Vietnamese tea ceremonies to make the tea room authentic, Arese said.
"The majority of the staff are hearing impaired but are incredibly talented at communicating with visitors," she said.
"They're proud of their work and enthusiastic about explaining HWH's cause and accomplishments.
HWH was set up in co-operation with the Hue College of Medicine and Pharmacy's Office of Genetic Counseling and Disabled Children and the two have provided work for disabled and disadvantaged workers since 2003.
It opened the shop in 2009.
Products made by the artists are also sold at SPIRAL Foundation fundraisers and retail outlets in the US and in some local hotels.
HWH currently employs 16 disabled artisans in Hue, providing them not only work but also medical insurance, housing, a daily meal, and a recreational allowance.
The majority of them are hearing-impaired and receive training in tailoring, basket weaving, and other crafts.