1. Zero Project – ICEVI – 2739 – Employment Initiative of the ICEVI-The Nippon Foundation Higher Education Project

2. Chronology Commenced as a pilot program in Indonesia in 2007
Expanded to the Philippines and Vietnam in 2008, Cambodia in 2010, Myanmar in 2013 and Laos in
Preparation work underway in Mongolia

3. Broad objectives of the project
To make higher education more inclusive for blind students through multi-country collaboration within the ASEAN region by
effectively using ICT,
developing more welcoming university environments,
promoting inclusive university and public policies and
assuring that graduates are better prepared to enter into open market employment.

4. Partners Institutions of the project
Krousar Thmey
Cambodia
Pertuni
(Indonesian Blind Union),
Indonesia
Myanmar National Association
of the Blind (MNAB),
Myanmar
Resources for the Blind, Inc.,
Philippines
Sao Mai Vocational & Assistive
Technology Center for the Blind
Vietnam
National University of Laos (NUOL)
Lao PDR

5. Beneficiaries Students benefitted since the inception of the project:
Cambodia : 83
Indonesia : 631
Lao PDR : 19
Myanmar : 69
Philippines : 710
Vietnam : 630
Total :

6. Types of employment facilitated For 117 persons with visual impairment
Telemarketer
IT Assistant
Radio Jockey
Catering
Administrative assistant
Teacher
Language Instructor
Insurance Agent
Counsellor, etc.

7. Types of employers Government Banks IT companies Restaurants
Call Centres
Auto Industries
Insurance companies
Small scale Industries, etc.

8. The innovative aspect
Integration of the three vital ingredients of transition from higher education to employment, viz., Academic Skills, Job Skills and Soft Skills” while undergoing their higher education studies
“Preparing” the individual for the job rather than simply “Placing the person” for an available job. 
Preparation of the person for the job reduces attrition and contributes to “job satisfaction”
Special focus on soft skills as the employees believe that the academic and job skills get them jobs but the soft skills make them to succeed in those jobs.   

9. The impact created
Emergence of young leaders among visually impaired adults who are becoming role models
Increase in the enrolment of students with visual impairment in schools due to positive change among parents
Employer confidence
Improved self-esteem in the individuals
Policy changes

10. David Eko Wardoyo from Indonesia at the IT Centre
Precilia Oktaviana from Indonesia at the Call Center

11. Ho Pham Uyen Phuong from Vietnam at her office
Sarith from Cambodia at the Radio Station

12. Confidence……..
“Words mean nothing without actions; determination is key to successful employment”
– Ms. Đinh Việt Anh, Vietnam
“Technology is a friend of visually impaired persons in their empowerment”
– Ms. Lench Ann Perilla, The Philippines
“Better inclusion in academic environment develops necessary skills for effective coping in the work settings”
– Mr. Sien Viboth, Cambodia
“Digital marketing is one career option that blind people could do the best”
– Ms. Juwita, Indonesia
“Assertiveness and self-advocacy are very much needed to build a strong professional career”
– Mr. Bima, Indonesia

13. Providing appropriate training including soft skills
The next steps
Identifying more jobs
Providing appropriate training including soft skills
Strengthening parent movements
Creation of self-employment opportunities wherever feasible
Organising country level employers’ meet
Influencing Policy changes

14. Contact ……..