Việt>

Achieving Independence

The Lifestart Foundation Workshop is designed to provide an outlet for the creation of fine arts and crafts. The success of the workshop has empowered its members to earn a sustainable income and gain a sense of independence.

The workshop was established to provide opportunities for those living in difficult situations, particularly adults with disabilities. Initiatives such as training and capacity building, together with a supportive community network, ensures both transformative change and self-sufficiency.

The workshop’s unique arts and crafts include exclusive greeting cards, knitted scarves, beaded jewellery and much more. The products are unusual souvenirs not found anywhere else in Vietnam and make the perfect fair trade gifts. Workshop members receive 100% of all profits earned from the sale of their products. You can support the workshop by purchasing direct from the Lifestart Foundation Workshop located in Hoi An OR at our Lifestart Foundation Workshop Online Shop.

How the Workshop Began

It all started when a small group of local women living with disabilities in the Hoi An area joined with the Lifestart Foundation to form a special workshop. The women first met in March 2008. Under the direction of Sherry Berger they trained for four weeks to develop skills and create products with the view of a trial production. The workshop became an instant success due to the hard work and determination of these women and the support of a dedicated team of volunteers from around the world.

Initially, the workshop began as a place for disabled women, but quickly expanded to include a diverse groups of people with and without disabilities, young and old, male and female.

Visit Us!

Meet workshop members and see first hand the care that goes into making each product. A visit to the Lifestart Foundation Workshop welcomes all visitors where you can browse at your leisure and enjoy a complimentary cup of Vietnamese tea.

Join us for half a day to learn about the Lifestart Foundation and you’ll have lots of fun in our traditional Vietnamese painting & lantern making classes. Learn More >

The workshop is located at 77 Phan Chau Trinh, Hoi An, Vietnam.

Read stories of Lifestart Foundation Workshop members and volunteers: