Tu is the youngest worker at a centre founded by the Vinh Phuc Blind People's Association.
When he first started, the continuous application of pressure left him exhausted at the end of the day.
But his muscles have now adjusted to the regime, and he finds the job satisfying.
"A year ago, before being accepted at the centre, I stayed at home with nothing to do," said Tu. "I felt hopeless about my life and future."
Tu was encouraged by the Ngo Quyen People's Committee to join the provincial Blind People's Association which introduced him to the world of massage.
"With help from friends here, I gradually got used to the work and am so happy because I can now support myself," he said.
As all those who have been to a genuine massage parlour know, the work can be strenuous, Tu said. "Each job lasts an hour and workers receive about VND30,000 (US$1.50) for their non-stop work.
"If a customer insists, massage workers will work an extra five to 10 minutes free of charge. I am young, but I am still bathed in sweat after each job," he said.
Tu added that the work was only suitable for fit and healthy younger people. He said that was why older people turned to making brooms and other useful handicraft items.
As for money, Tu's income is about VND800,000 (US$42) a month. "It's not much, but I can live on it, and it enables me to overcome the feeling that I am a useless person," he said.
But not all blind people in the province have as much luck as Tu. The Blind People's Association does not have enough capital to create work for all its members, said association chairman Nguyen Duc Thien.
At present, Vinh Phuc has more than 2,000 blind people, of whom 1,180 are members of the association.
The province has 11 massage centres that employ a total of 50 blind people. It takes nearly VND40 million (US$2,100) to set up a massage centre, and the provincial association does not have enough capital, said Thien.
"The association seeks support from authorities at all levels and the community to help the blind learn a trade," he said.
Chairman of the Viet Nam Blind People's Association Dao Soat said that last year the national association helped 11,200 blind people find jobs. It also organised 15 vocational training courses for nearly 300 blind students.
This year the association will spend about VND19 billion (US$1 million) from its funds to create jobs for the blind across the country. The money will also be used to organise 19 vocational training courses. — VNS
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