Forty-four young people with disabilities have been able to acquire different levels of IT proficiency under a US government-funded project and are ready to join the job market.

In a project funded by the US Agency for International Development and implemented by Van Lang University and Catholic Relief Services, 23 youth completed a year-long course in software engineering and another 21 underwent a three-month programme in basic information technology skills.

"This is a very meaningful project for people with disabilities, which will help them access higher education and the job market," said Do Quoc Anh of the Ministry of Education and Training.

A new group of 21 students is currently enrolled in an architecture engineering design course, and an additional 12 visually impaired participants began undergoing a second three-month training course in basic computing.

Last August, 43 students graduated from courses in businesses processing and outsourcing as well as architecture engineering.

The IT training programme at Van Lang University is modeled after a successful two-year project in Ha Noi, carried out in collaboration among the Ha Noi College of Information and Technology, USAID and the CRS.

By June 2010, the IT Training Project will have trained at least 400 students in Ha Noi and HCM City. More than 78 per cent of this project's graduates have found full-time employment or internships with local companies in the country's growing IT sector.

Since 1989, USAID has provided US$46 million to assist persons with disabilities in Viet Nam. US support has also assisted in the development of a legal framework that the Government implements in guaranteeing their rights and expanding opportunities for people with disabilities, according to a press release from the US Consulate in HCM City — VNS