Room to Read has worked very closely with the government in this effort since we began our work in Laos in 2005. Our focus in the country has been on improving infrastructure, providing access to quality learning materials and supporting children at risk of dropping out of school in the most underserved areas of the country.

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The Challenge in Laos

The Lao People’s Democratic Republic has seen much political upheaval in its recent history, which has left its people impoverished and lacking access to many modern advancements.

Approximately 80 percent of the population lives on less than $5.50 a day, and even the top 1 percent of Lao people live on less than $15 a day. In the rural areas where 87 percent of Lao people live, there is poor infrastructure and very little access to electricity or drinkable water. The country is characterized by geographic and ethnic diversity and struggles to distribute resources and opportunities equally among distinct groups.

Our Work in Laos

Room to Read signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Lao government in 2011 that discussed our plans to continue our programs and expand our reach in the country in the years following. Our programs are now active in five provinces in total and we have supported more the 600,000 children to date through our Literacy and Girls’ Education Programs.

Room to Read Laos