The photos by Tran ThePhong, now on display at the school, show beautiful moments of visuallyimpaired children at study, play and at home.
"My photographyaims to encourage people to give more to children who have visualimpairments. Most of them are from poor families and live in difficultconditions," said Phong, a member of the city's PhotographersAssociation.
Some of the black-and-white photos, including TinhBan (Friendship) and Hon Nhien (Innocence), depict happy and smilingchidlren.
Phong's photobook, Vuot Qua Bong Toi (Crossing the Dark), promotes a message of love and compassion.
"Iwant to support these kids so they can live more confidently and behappy," said Phong, who spent several months on the project.
The photos used in the exhibit will be donated to students and teachers at the school.
Sponsoredby the South African Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City, the photobook isbeing sold to raise funds to help Nguyen Dinh Chieu's students anddisadvantaged, visually impaired children in poor provinces.
"Phong'sphotos left a very strong impression on our teachers who have workedhard to provide their kids with love, caring and training," said HaThanh Van, headmaster of Nguyen Dinh Chieu School, who has taughtdisadvantaged children for more than 20 years.
"Although Phong's photos are in black and white, we can see a colourful rainbow in his art," she added.
Van said the school was struggling financially to improve its facility.
Morethan 200 blind children aged six to 23 from the southern region of thecountry attend the school, which has 20 classes from the elementary tojunior-high level.
Lessons are taught in Braille or by audiocassettes. Fees are 100,000 VND to more than 250,000 VND a month, exceptfor poor children whose families cannot afford to pay.
The 30 teachers, who are all well-qualified, receive a monthly salary of 2 million VND (96 USD).
"Thetask of teaching the children is not an easy one. We teach them maths,music and painting, reading and writing, but it is equally important tounderstand and prepare them for life in society," said Van.
The special exhibit at the school is open every day from 8am to 6pm and ends on May 2.-VNA