Building Lives in Laos
Code:
LAO-NLH-BLL-P01
Country:
LaosCause:
Economic EmpowermentPopulation:
7.28 millionHuman Dev Index:
#140 (Aust #5)Overview
This is a two-fold project. Firstly, this project will fund vocational training for eight people in farming, restaurant management and mechanics. These young people are former addicts, poor youth from ethnic minority groups and high-risk youth from human trafficking. Secondly, the project will complete the flooring of the restaurant and the watering system for the organic farm which are both needed so that the vocational training can commence.
Why support this
The rehabilitation centre is run by a local, dedicated couple who are thoughtfully attempting to create a self-sufficient project. This will allow them to continue to run the centre as well as teach the former addicts useful skills and equip them to survive once they have completed their rehabilitation. Through their work they have identified that going straight from rehabilitation in a rural setting straight back into society is too hard so they have set up a half-way house. We also love the fact that they have a heart to assist the surrounding farmers and neighbours.
Objectives Include
- Drug addiction is a serious problem in Laos and many addicts relapse.
- Our partners have a 70% success rate, which is far higher than other centres – of which there are only a few.
- Many other centres are too expensive for people to attend, or are too short.
- This is why our partners focus not only on curing the addiction, but in building up life skills and coping mechanisms so that rehabilitants can survive on their own back in society.
Expected Life Change
- Young addicts are provided with skills and support so that they remain drug free.
- The rehabilitation centre becomes more financially sustainable, able to continue the work for many more years.
- Farmers in the nearby area are able to increase their income through new farming techniques and products with all the flow-on effects this will have on health and education.