Helping Communities Care for Every Child
The Government of Lao PDR in partnership with UNICEF, the Government of Australia and USAID is helping communities care for children through improved parenting practices.
The villages of Hiem District in Houaphanh Province of northern Laos are shaped by their rugged surroundings - rolling hills, dense forest and winding rivers. Life there is quiet but demanding, with families relying on small-scale farming and trading.
One such village is Phuvieng village, led by its chief Phonexay. Overseeing a population of 425 people, mainly of Khmu and Hmong ethnicity, his job is also a demanding one - to care for the village’s wellbeing, especially that of its youngest members. Phonexay acknowledged that many villagers in his area still lacked knowledge on taking care of children, especially those with disabilities.
“The daughter of my cousin is autistic. Every day, I see this little girl stay at home, unable to play outside nor go to school because of safety concerns from her parents,” Phonexay explained.
Motivated by the question of how communities can provide better care and protection for children with disabilities, Phonexay eventually joined the programme known as “Love and Care for Every Child (LCEC): Happy Families Grow Together”, a scaled-up parenting programme implemented by Government of Lao PDR in partnership with UNICEF, with financial support from the Government of Australia and USAID.
Under this programme, Phonexay attended a parenting orientation session held in Hiem District ‘s community centre, alongside two other community champions from his village.
They attentively listened and interacted with the trainers, who expertly guided them on how to manage community sessions on positive parenting practices. When it was his turn to showcase what he had learned, he was able to explain in clear language the importance of childcare, protection, communication and early childhood development care to families.
“I can definitely use this knowledge to create a friendlier space for children with disabilities in my village and convince their parents to allow their children to go to school and play with their friends,” Phonexay said.
I can definitely use this knowledge to create a friendlier space for children with disabilities in my village and convince their parents to allow their children to go to school and play with their friends.
Embracing Inclusive Futures
Another participant that stood out during the training was Pany Moua who comes from Nathuan Village.
As part of her village parenting taskforce and a primary school principal, she is also responsible for caring for her student’s well-being and development – a major responsibility she takes pride in.
During the training, Pany was quick-to-learn and was able to simulate the community session flawlessly. For her, the materials on caring for children with disabilities also managed to fill the gap in her daily practices.
“One of my first-year students is blind. She is only six years old but is so very eager to learn. I make time to teach her separately in class, holding her hand to write and pronouncing each letter and words for her to hear,” Pany explained.
I thought what I did was enough, but then I had a chance to be part of this programme. It made me realised I hadn’t given enough consideration in including my student in the activities with her other classmates and creating an inclusive environment for her and every student.
Phonexay and Pany are both at the forefront of the Parenting Programme and leading positive changes in their own respective communities. Together alongside other village champions and with the guidance of the district trainers, they are set to engage the parents and caregivers in their respective villages, encouraging positive behaviour change around parenting practices.
The LCEC programme is implemented by the Lao Women's Union with technical support from the Ministry of Education and Sports, Lao Front for National Development, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, Ministry of Health and Lao Disabled People’s Association. Supported by USAID and Australia through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program, it empowers parents and caregivers with essential knowledge and tools to promote their children's healthy development and create a nurturing environment for children.
