From Classroom to Coffee Shop: New Barista Skills Program Opens Doors for Deaf Youth in Quang Tri
Tam Nguyen - CDF manager and member of RC Quang Tri
QUANG TRI, VIETNAM — September 2026 — As the 2026–2027 school year begins, the Community Development Fund (CDF) is proud to introduce a transformative vocational initiative for hearing-impaired youth at the Quảng Trị Special Education School. Supported by a generous SGD 8,775 grant from the Rotary Club of Queenstown (Singapore), the new Barista Program will equip 24 deaf students aged 14 to 15 with practical, hands-on beverage preparation skills.
Running from September 2026 through June 2027, the 10-month program is implemented in close partnership with the host Rotary Club of Quảng Trị, with CDF serving as a dedicated co-implementer alongside funding partner Rotary Club of Queenstown.
Designed to break down communication barriers and foster economic independence, the curriculum guides students through essential barista techniques, espresso and traditional coffee brewing, tea preparation, fruit smoothie crafting, and workspace management. Instructors and sign language interpreters work together to deliver interactive lessons tailored to visual learners, building both technical precision and workplace confidence.
The ultimate goal of the project goes beyond classroom instruction: it aims to prepare these young adults for sustainable self-reliance. By mastering professional drink preparation and service basics, graduates will be ready to secure employment at local cafes and restaurants or take their first steps toward entrepreneurial independence by launching their own small coffee stalls or fruit beverage businesses.
"Through this practical training, we are helping these 24 young people turn their focus and talent into sustainable career paths," noted Uyen Le - President of RC Quang Tri. Follow CDF’s website and social media channels throughout the 2026–2027 school year for updates, student stories, and milestones from the barista workshop.
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