Coffee chain opens 3rd store staffed by visually impaired baristas in Hanoi

The initiative is part of a vocational training project led by the Vietnam Blind Association to provide jobs and promote independence for people with visual disabilities.

The project, supported by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) through Siloam International, focuses on teaching beverage preparation skills and creating sustainable employment opportunities.

Participants receive training not only in drink-making but also in customer service, communication, and financial independence.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Dinh Viet Anh, vice-chairwoman of the Vietnam Blind Association, said the cafe model demonstrates the determination of visually impaired people to take control of their lives.

Despite limited resources, the association hopes the cafes will operate sustainably with community support.

Lee Yookyung, deputy director of KOICA's Vietnam Office, said that the cafe’s opening marks progress in expanding job opportunities and social integration for people with visual impairments.

Daily interactions between baristas and customers are expected to foster greater understanding and inclusion.

In recent years, the Vietnam Blind Association has focused on helping its members gain access to employment opportunities.

One such initiative is the 'Beverage preparation training and employment creation for visually impaired people' project, which is intended to train 36 visually impaired people from 2024 to 2026 through six specialized barista training courses.

After completing the courses, trainees can apply their knowledge and skills at cafes established under the project, providing them with a professional and sustainable working environment.

So far, five training courses have been completed, leading to the opening of three cafes in Hanoi, including one in Yen Hoa Ward, another in the Vinhomes Ocean Park 1 urban area, and the newest in Alley 47 Nguyen Hong Street.

Although beverage preparation is a new profession for visually impaired people in Vietnam, growing demand for beverages and the compatibility of barista work with their physical capabilities make it a promising career path.

The success of Cafe More Hanoi is expected to inspire further expansion, helping visually impaired people achieve financial independence and stronger social integration.