A Wheelchair for a Future Hair Designer in Myanmar

Mr. Aung Thu graduated from AAR (Association for Aid and Relief) Japan’s Vocational Training center in Yangon where he studied in the haircutting/beauty course. Polio left both his legs weak. He lives with this family about 960 kilometers northeast of Yangon. Most of the people in the village grow sugar cane, nuts, sunflowers, beans and rice.

Aung Thu moved around using his arms and legs until given crutches by the National Rehabilitation Hospital run by the government.
In 2011 he received a wheelchair from the Association of the Disabled, but gave it to one of his friends because this friend needed it more than he.
In 2016 he entered VTC and studied hair cutting. He had an inferiority complex but there he met people with different types of disabilities, some even more severe than his. In 3.5 months of training he developed more self confidence. He had dreamed of having his own barbershop, but as he studied, he realized he wanted to become a professional hair designer.

After graduation, he opened a hair cut shop. It was not easy, but he didn’t give up. He visited nearby villages and got help from his family. In January 2018, he entered VTC again to learn more advanced skills.

When he heard that AAR had received wheelchairs he applied for one. He used to have pain around his shoulders when he cuts hair for more than three people. Now that he has his own wheelchair, he is very happy and enjoys working.

He sent the following message: “To all who are working on the wheelchairs, thank you so very much. I pray for further success for you. I promise you that I will treasure this wheelchair and do my best in my work.”