Nghiem Thu Loan
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Established on February 2, 2020, Step Club operates in Vietnam across education, media, and employment for people with disabilities. It aims to create a dynamic and inclusive environment where visually impaired individuals can learn, connect, and grow. Through educational and recreational projects, Step promotes social integration and personal development. Its mission is rooted in supporting access to education and fostering a humane, creative space. All activities are guided by the values of equality and respect for individual differences.
Our strong belief in the value of our work, combined with creativity and community solidarity, helped us grow and sustain our impact.
As a person with visual impairment who once struggled to access information, education, and career opportunities, I deeply understand the barriers others like me face. That empathy—and a personal promise I made when applying for the RMIT Opportunity Scholarship—inspired me to found Step Club, a non-profit initiative created by and for the blind and visually impaired.
Step Club focuses on two critical areas: education and employment. We offer free training programs that provide practical skills and boost career readiness. For example: in 2024, we delivered four impactful courses: media training for blind massage therapists, customer service training for those in service industries, a series of soft skills classes, and a job-readiness course for visually impaired youth.
Through these initiatives, we empower our community with the tools and confidence to pursue meaningful careers and live independently. At the same time, our public campaigns challenge stereotypes and showcase the talents of visually impaired individuals to a wider audience.
Our biggest challenge has been the lack of funding. As a grassroots organization without institutional backing or fixed sponsorship, we initially relied on volunteer support and member contributions. Yet, our strong belief in the value of our work, combined with creativity and community solidarity, helped us grow and sustain our impact.
The proudest moment in this journey is when someone mentions “Step Club” with joy and gratitude. In that moment, I know we are making a difference—and that we are building something that truly matters. I hope that my connection to the RMIT network continues to guide and support me, opening doors and reinforcing the values that drive our mission.