In October, Vietnam alumna Vo Thi Hoang Yen (Cohort 2001) was awarded the Kazuo Itoga Memorial Prize for her outstanding work supporting persons with disabilities in Vietnam and promoting equal opportunity. An award ceremony was held at Piazza Hall in Konan City, Shiga, Japan, on November 19, 2009.

Vo Thi Hoang Yen is a polio survivor who completed her master's degree in Human Development at the University of Kansas in 2004. After her return to Vietnam, Yen established her own organization, Disability Resource and Development (DRD). DRD’s mission is to promote full participation of and equal opportunities for people with disabilities (PWDs).

The Kazuo Itoga Memorial Prize was named after the late Mr. Kazuo Itoga, who devoted himself to improve the welfare of people with disabilities and promote respect for their human rights. The Kazuo Itoga Memorial Foundation was established in 1997 in Japan to carry on Mr. Itoga’s legacy, aimed at building an integrated society that ensures the well-being of people with disabilities and their families. With this view, the Prize is awarded each year to individuals who have contributed outstanding services toward the promotion of welfare for people with disabilities.

Activities at Yen's organization DRD include:
• A Disability Resource Library providing resources about disabilities, health information, and personal stories of PWDs
• Peer counseling: Peer counselors facilitate discussion amongst PWDs about concerns, struggles, and successes
• Employment services, including job placement and advice for employers of PWDs
• Training and workshops in job skills, life skills, leadership and fundraising to encourage ownership
• The Hearing Impairment Club, which provides sign language and English classes and a support group
• The Women With Disabilities group
• Scholarship and Mentoring Program for students with disabilities


Vo Thi Hoang Yen speaking at an event launching the Mentoring Program of her organization
Disability Resource and Development (DRD) Vietnam, in Ho Chi Minh City in April 2008


Vo Thi Hoang Yen singing the aspiration to give back to the community at a “Live for the Communities” event held in Ho Chi Minh City in May 2006