Why we are Helping and how YOU can get involved

The remote villages of Laos have never recovered from the 'Secret' war of the 1960's. While rich in culture and tradition, their education, healthcare and hygiene conditions are severely lacking. The average lifespan is only 56 years and average age is only 20.8, caused by poor quality water, poor hygiene and general poverty. BUT with your help we have already made a difference in the lives of over 2700 villagers.

We have built schools in the villages of Pha Yong and Had Chanh, and a 3rd school located in Done Lom is under construction. We have also distributed over 200 water filters systems and completed hygiene training for three entire villages. Each family is required to take this course before a filter is provided, in order to promote a longer, healthier and happier life. A new water source including a dam, water tank and taps has been completed, as has our first bank of hygienic toilets.

It doesn't stop there. We have requests for 34 new projects and with your help, will do what we can to support as many requests as possible.

You can help in so many different ways. Before you do though, note that less than 5% will go to direct overhead costs, contrary to many NGO's who's overheads can reach 80%. Sponsors for every project will receive emailed pictures and details of how the money was spent.

Here are some examples of how you can help with your financial contribution.

- $55 buys a water purification filter for a family of 8.
It will also include your name on the water filter and a picture forwarded to you with the family and the filter unit.
- $12,500 US buys a school for grades 1, 2 and 3. Perhaps you would like to sponsor or assist us to sponsor a school.
- $4,000 US (approx) buys school tables and desks for a three room school and a two-room kindergarten.
- $700 US (approx) pays for a teacher for one year
- $50 US buys education for one child for one year including school fees, 2 uniforms, shoes, backpack and school supplies.
- hygienic washroom facilities rane depending on the number of stalls and start at about $3000, but are critical to prevent more disease.

If you would like to become involved and to help the people of rural Laos help themselves lead a more fulfilling life, please email us at AdoptaVillageinLaos@gmail.com. Official Tax Receipts are not yet possible although we hope to receive charitable status this summer. Meanwhile we would still love to hear of your interest.

Please help............we cannot do this alone....

Meanwhile, please enjoy our updates below.

Monday, March 7, 2011

Huephen Village Water Source Update

I recently visited Small Huephen Village to see how our project was coming along, in order to supply water to the 35 families. Due to the lack of water there, the village has dropped in size over recent months from 42 families.


After hiking for about an hour, I checked out the dam they were building. During the dry season, this river becomes more of a stream, but with this new addition, water can build up overnight to supply enough water to the village during the day. We also followed the various stages of the trenching in order to place the new water pipe. I am told that the water project whould be complete before I return to Canada but in my view it isn't likely. They still have to build a water tank in the village and 5 tap heads.

Here are a few pictures.
Dam: Somnuek showing off the handiwork of the villagers.
Right: Construction Site of the dam.
Local Villager posing for the picture in front of the trench. The trench, when completed will be over 3km long. It was about half completed when I saw it.
It is dry season everwhere in Laos and water is at a premium. Even at my house here in Laos, the owners installed a new water tank and a pump to ensure that I have a steady source of water. I had heard from my neighbor that the water pressure is not strong enough to make it up to the second floor.
Many of the student dormatories have dried up. The only option is to bathe in the Nam Khan (river) which is degrading for many plus the water is certainly not clean. For drinking water and cooking though, water is trucked in and delivered at a cost of 4000 (50 cents) kip per bottle, the size of a water cooler bottle back at home. The students I sponsor go through 3 or 4 of these a week. This is an amazing price at home, nevertheless it is difficult for many students to manage the $2 per week.
Posted by Steve Rutledge at 9:28 PM

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)