©Action Education Laos
PiaHuaNam is one of the target communities of Action Education's GEVEE project. Gender Equality through Vocational and Entrepreneurship Education (GEVEE). Comprehensive support has been provided through gender awareness training, business coaching and entrepreneurial skills development. To empower women economically, start-up grants are also provided. The programme currently has 32 participants, 20 of whom are women. Through these efforts, Action Education fosters an environment in which women can achieve economic independence and contribute to the overall development of the community.
To better understand the impact of these initiatives on the ground, we heard from Ms Mi Va, a resident of the village of PiaHuaNam in the Beng district of Oudomxay province in Laos. Ms Mi Va shares with us the major challenges facing her community and her hopes for a better future.
Between economic dependence, poor education and early marriages
"Most of the women in our village, including myself, depend on nature for their livelihoods. We farm and garden, but our income from these activities is very low and not enough to support our families. Our husbands are our main source of income, which limits our independence and economic stability. In addition, women's level of education is low, with most of them unable to attend secondary school. This lack of education limits our access to better paid jobs and other opportunities for economic improvement. It is also common for women to marry young and have many children. This tradition puts additional financial pressure on families and limits women's opportunities for personal and professional development."
Education at risk: shortage of teachers and resources for children
"Although children attend school regularly, the quality of teaching is not satisfactory. There are not enough teachers, and those that do exist are often overworked and unable to give enough attention to each pupil. What's more, our children need more clothes and teaching materials to attend school regularly and study effectively. This lack of resources hinders their ability to learn and progress."
Strengthening education, the economy and gender equality, a vector for progress for Pia Hua Nam
-
Empowering women through education and professional opportunities
"To solve these problems, it is essential that all parties improve the education system. Scholarships, free meals and school supplies can help children from poor families to stay in school and get a good education. The women of our village would also benefit from vocational training programmes. Acquiring new skills can lead to better employment opportunities and economic independence. For example, training in weaving, handicrafts or running a small business can enable women to set up their own businesses and continue to benefit from the support of Action Education."
-
Promoting gender equality
"It is essential to work with organisations to raise awareness of gender equality. Educational workshops and community programmes can teach men and women the importance of equality, helping to reduce domestic violence and create a more supportive environment."
-
Strengthening resources and pedagogical support to improve children's education
"Increasing the number of qualified teachers and improving their training will improve the quality of education. Well-equipped and motivated teachers can provide a more attentive and effective education for our children. Ensuring that children have adequate clothing and learning materials is also essential. Community collections or partnerships with NGOs can help provide these essentials, allowing children to concentrate on their studies."
My vision for the future :
"Over the next five years, I hope to see significant improvements in our village through vocational training for young people and a focus on children's education. With the support of various organisations, we can build a community where women are economically independent, where children receive a quality education and where gender equality is respected. By tackling these challenges, we can break the cycle of poverty and dependency and pave the way for a better future for all the people of Pei Hua Nam."
Action Education observed the methods used in the training sessions, understanding the benefits, difficulties, challenges and specific limitations encountered in the target communities. In addition, AE staff collaborated with government authorities such as the National Commission for the Advancement of Women, Mothers and Children (NCAMC), as well as the Provincial Commissions for the Advancement of Women, Mothers and Children at district level in the provinces of Oudomxay and Khammouan. Their involvement included coordination of project activities, monitoring, evaluation and initial funding for beneficiaries in target villages and upper secondary schools.