Exclusion vs. Inclusion

Thuy Vy and I had an interview with a man with no leg for his experience of being excluded and included in this society.
1.In what ways do you experience "exclusion" from society/ development?
- It's hard to say how, but I really can feel it. It's when Tet comes, and you don't have anything special. Everyone around you is going crazy, doing a bunch of things because it’s Tet, and I am just like always. It's a horrible feeling to experience. Also, people in "formal" places stare at me as if I am not meant to come to such places. I tried to buy "health insurance" for about 2 dollars/year, but the doctors in the hospital really treat people with insurance quite differently from those with money in their pockets. I am also not allowed to go on the bus when I want to travel somewhere.

2. In what ways do you experience "inclusion" (society/development)?

- I go around every day and am able to talk to people in the market. My younger brother is such a good person; he has been taking care of me since the beginning up until now.

3. Do you want different "development" or just a different path to the same development?

- People are building more places for the "upper class," I often think of such places as a golf course, than they are building parks; even in the city, where land is scarce. I think this approach should be changed. Land belongs to all Vietnamese people and there should be limited places where only some people can afford to go, especially when it's decided by the local authorities.

4. What sort of government policy/ program changes might increase your inclusion?
- I think education is the shortest way to enhance inclusion of the poor to the rest of society, simply just provide scholarships for only poor students or other opportunities for us to send our kids to school.

5. What sort of community/ NGO policy might increase your inclusion?

- I don't know much about NGOs.