World Concern
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World Concern
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Laos

Region: Asia

World Concern has had a presence in the Lao People's Democratic Republic since 1983 when we responded to the local flooding with disaster relief. We operate under an agreed framework with the government of Lao PDR. Initial disaster relief work paved the way for more substantial projects focusing on sustainable development in three provinces. This has reduced poverty, empowered the vulnerable and marginalized, and enabled youth and women to confront and reduce their risks of unsafe emigration, human trafficking, and HIV/AIDS.

Community Issues

  • Climate impacts such as flooding.
  • Because of the mountainous terrain, many communities cannot be reached by humanitarian efforts and people are moving to the larger cities for economic opportunities, putting them at risk of exploitation.
  • Women and girls are highly susceptible to human trafficking.
  • A lack of structure in many communities means a lack of education, minimizing the opportunity to rise out of poverty.
  • High inflation causing food security and nutrition rates to decrease.

Make a Difference

To partner with World Concern's ongoing work in Laos, give generously today!

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Focus Areas

  • Food Security & Livelihoods

    Farmers are supported with seeds, training, and water irrigation construction materials to increase crop yields and provide plenty of food for the villages. The seeds are collected at each harvest and are stored in seed banks for the next sowing season. Chickens and other animals are distributed to provide eggs and offspring that can be eaten or sold for income.

  • Health & Nutrition

    Training is provided to community health members for better health practices. Village Health Volunteers are training the communities to prevent HIV/AIDS, Dengue, and Malaria. Training is provided to mothers of young children to improve their child's nutrition.

  • Economic Empowerment

    Savings and Loan groups are being started to empower members to save money that they will be able to take out as a loan to start businesses and pay for household emergencies.

  • Clean Water

    Teachers and school children are taught personal hygiene practices regarding hand washing, teeth brushing, and using a latrine. Families and communities are supported with materials to build latrines and improve sanitation to prevent disease. Water filters are given to schools and families to provide clean drinking water for them.

Annual Results

World Concern Laos served 10,062 men, women, and children through our programs last year.

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A Story from Laos

A Water Filter Brings Health and Peace of Mind

When Bun's wife died of a ruptured appendix, he was devastated. A widower at age 46 with four children, he was struck with grief. It was only his love for his children that motivated him to continue to work hard to feed and care for them despite several of his own health issues. In the back of his mind was a fear that they, too, would get sick and die. He knew the water they drank was contaminated, but he never had the time to boil it for them and they were frequently sick.

When World Concern distributed a water filter to Bun and his children, it brought peace to his mind and health to their bodies. They learned about hygiene and built a latrine as well. Bun said, "I never thought that help would come to my family, especially from an organization like World Concern, who cares about vulnerable people who almost lost hope, like me. Thank you to World Concern, now I don't have to worry about where to access clean drinking water for my children."

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