28%
Of people in the province suffer from poverty
Poverty
Although there has been a decrease in the last five years, Huaphanh, where Samneua is located, remains one of the poorest provinces in Laos, with a 28% poverty rate.
Children are most affected by poverty, and only 67% of children aged 11 to 14 go to school.
They are also most affected by food scarcity, with 40% of children in the province suffering from stunting, which is a measurement of low height for age, caused by undernutrition.
Poverty is also one of the causes of child marriage. Indeed, in Huaphanh province, 50% of women aged 20 to 24 were married before the age of 18.
15%
Of people are involved in opium cultivation
Opium cultivation and addiction
In the Huaphanh province, up to 15% of the population is involved in cultivation of opium. In 2006, the growing of the plant was made illegal in Laos. However, the production still exists, especially among the poorest, driven by the lack of alternative sources of income. By 2015, the amount of cultivation had tripled since 2007. Multiple programmes have been created, by the Laos Government and external organizations, to control the cultivation and mitigate the addiction, like for example helping farmers to switch to cultivating coffee instead. Not only is the cultivation a problem in Laos, but also the addiction. And children are the biggest victims of this, losing relatives to production, trafficking and addiction.
Your support makes a difference for children in Samneua
SOS Children’s Villages works with local partners and communities to offer a wide range of support that is adapted to the local context. We always work in the best interest of the children, young people and families.
Learn at our kindergartens and schools
100
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
Are supported on their way to independence
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Spending time with friends in the garden! Children who grow up in our care often form bonds that last a lifetime (photo: SOS Children’s Villages in Laos).
How your support helps in Samneua
Providing quality education
SOS Children’s Villages ensures that children and young people have access to high-quality education. We help them learn and develop in a safe and supportive environment. We train teachers on children’s rights and child-centered learning, so that each child can get the most out of their education. Young children spend time playing and learning at kindergarten. This prepares them for primary school.
Providing medical care
In areas with limited health services, SOS Children’s Villages provides medical advice and assistance. We offer preventative measures such as medical check-ups and vaccination programmes. Most of the patients who approach us for medical help come from local families, who could otherwise not afford to receive treatment.
Caring for children who cannot live with their families
Some children cannot stay with their families, even with additional support. When this happens, they can find a new home in SOS Children’s Villages. Here the children can build safe and lasting relationships. All the children in our care have access to education and healthcare. Wherever possible, we work closely with the children’s family of origin. If children can return to live with their families, we help them adapt to this change.
Supporting young people to become independent
To help young people become confident and independent, our local team works closely with each young person to develop a plan for their future. We support young people and also help them prepare for the labour market and increase their employment prospects. For example, young people can attend workshops and trainings run by SOS Children’s Villages. They also improve their skills through taking part in different projects with local mentors and businesses.