Background & Purpose

 

Literacy rates in Laos are low, the majority of the population lives in areas classified as 'rural', 94% of the population is under 29, and 55% is under 19. With poor education and limited access to information, Laos’ youth are not acquiring the knowledge, skills and confidence necessary to deal effectively with stresses and critical social issues. This includes HIV/AIDS, drug use, and human trafficking. Youth who have left school and those living near the Thai border are especially at risk.

Working in the Pak Ngem and Sungthong districts of Vientiane Capital, and Pakse and Champasak districts in Champasak Province, PEDA would work to increase youth and local community awareness and understanding of HIV/AIDS, human trafficking and drugs, especially amphetamines. The program would aim to reduce the impacts of these issues and to promote awareness of referral options.

 

 

Proposed Interventions​

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• Training of two Outreach Workers (OW) to conduct activities in two provinces/four districts/six villages. Each OW would be responsible for supervising and supporting 12 Peer Educators (PE)

• Training of 24 PE to deliver information to the community

• Development of a comprehensive training manual on HIV/AIDS, drugs, and human trafficking prevention

• Establishment of a radio chatting program which will provide comprehensive information in relation to HIV/AIDS, drugs and human trafficking

• Collaborate with village and district authorities and the health sector to give counseling and advice to those planning to travel away from their home town for employment

• Hold a special community event, such as a sports competition, with information disseminated regarding HIV/AIDS, drugs and human trafficking