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Village Focus International
It Takes a Village
Village Focus International, which grew out of a World Education program, has had significant impact in the lives of ethnic minority villagers living in remote areas of southern Laos. It is distinct from many charities because, instead of simply designing and delivering a program, it leaves much of the decision-making to the villagers themselves. Working in the Salavan and Champassak provinces of Laos, it offers practical education in health care, sustainable agriculture, management of natural resources, and community literacy. Most of those who benefit are extremely impoverished.
The commitment of a dedicated professional staff, the majority of whom are Laotian, saved this useful program from abandonment. When World Education sought to end the program in 2000, largely for financial reasons, the staff found another sponsor rather than downscale or discontinue its services. (Because Laos requires the involvement of an international agency, it wasn't possible to create a local NGO.) Recently approved by the government of Laos, the Village Focus International approach is valued not only because it provides education but because it shows how villages can take active roles in bringing change to their communities. Our current support is earmarked for funding capacity-building and education in Salavan Province villages.
RELATED LINKS
International Institute of Rural Reconstruction
Oxfam America
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In Laos, Village Focus International is helping villagers in remote provinces become change agents in their communities.
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| Village Focus International |
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| Location: Portland, Oregon |
| Funding: $434,000 since 2001 |
| www.villagefocus.org |
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