Donate to Help the Children in Laos (the ECDSP Project)

More than half of the Laotian population live below the poverty line. Poverty often poses serious risks to children’s rights.

The rights of young Laotians, living in poverty, are frequently violated. Discrimination prevents them from benefiting from certain important rights such as the right to health and the right to education.

The child mortality rate in Laos is quite high with 6% of Laotian children dying before the age of five. This worrisome figure is the result of the lack of hygiene, medical supplies and equipment as well as trained staff.

These shortcomings increase the risk of epidemic diseases breaking out. Today, in Laos, people are still faced with diseases such as polio and even tetanus whereas vaccination campaigns have been set up even in the most isolated places to eradicate them.

In this sector, increased efforts are required to ensure that each and every Laotian child goes to school, unlike today. Indeed, 20% of children do not enjoy the right to education which is in contravention of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Furthermore, most children live in isolated villages where different ethnic languages are spoken, such as Akha, whereas the official language used in school programs is Lao. This linguistic barrier reflects a form of discrimination towards such children as they are thus prevented from attending to school. To remedy this, the government has improved the quality of teaching in some schools by appointing bilingual teachers.

Poverty is another reason which obstructs children from enjoying their right to education. Some school fees may be too high for the family to afford and this may prevent children from attending school.

We act in the rural areas of Savannakhet Province. The ECDSP (Empowering in Community Development in Savannakhet Province) aims to build a sustainable educational system. 

Your generosity gives children a smile and a better future.