2005 Programs and Events

U.S., Lao, NGO Officials Commemorate Memorandum of Understanding (June 3, 2005)

WFP Laos director Crista Rader discusses the Food for Work agreement with NAS director Dave Wise and NAS field adviser Mike Carroll.

On June 3, 2005, NAS director and Lao American Project/Phongsali (LAP/PS) field adviser Mike Carroll met with Mr. Kou Chansina, director of drug demand and supply reduction, Lao National Commission for Drug Control and Supervision (LCDC) and Crista Rader, Laos country director, World Food Program (WFP) to commemorate the Food For Work (FFW) MOU between the LAP and WFP, signed in December 2004. Mr. Khamlek Sethnasang, the LAP national project director, also attended.

All agreed that, up to now, the MOU is working well. The FFW activity has proven popular with the LAP target villages, most of which suffer from perennial rice shortages. In April, the LAP received 90 tons of rice in exchange for a number of FFW activities, including several access roads. For their labor, villagers received allotments of rice. In addition, their access roads mean that now they have easier access to the main LAP road. This will facilitate trade in our two project districts and beyond.

Since the MOU, WFP has agreed to include other LAP activities; over the course of 2005, LAP will receive over 400 tons of rice under FFW. In addition, WFP and LAP are working together on a pilot project for “Food for Training.” This activity will provide rice to adult Akha women who wish to attend non-formal education classes in basic literacy and numeracy.

According to WFP, the collaboration with LAP/PS is especially welcome due to the large number of villages that suffer from food insecurity. LAP provides WFP with a good platform for delivering its food aid. Mr. Kou said that LAP is very happy to be working with WFP, as it is providing important aid at a time when the NAS budget is under strain.

NAS and WFP are hopeful of expanding the program to the LAP/Luang Prabang later in 2005.