Children in Especially Difficult Circumstances (CEDC)

In Laos, one of the world’s poorest countries, many children can’t attend school because of poverty or because classrooms are overcrowded. Sometimes they must work in the fields to produce food for their families, and often parents can’t see the point in paying for education.

Left without an education or opportunities these children often hang around in the village and are at risk of turning to drugs and alcohol.

Along with a lack of schools and teachers, there’s also little opportunity for these children to take up a trade or learn a craft because there is a lack of vocational education opportunities.

To combat this, CEDC aims to provide children with opportunities by establishing vocational training facilities, and education on drug and alcohol abuse. The program will be established in four villages, and youth centres will also be set up where ‘at risk’ children can get involved in positive, fun activities.

The program aims to:

• Provide greater access to vocational training and other educational opportunities;
• Teach children about the risks of drug and alcohol abuse;
• Set up a community-based youth program where children can get involved in positive recreational activities.