OBI Launches Village Project in Laos

Savannakhet Province, Laos – Dreams of drinking clean water, having a sanitation system and living a more healthy life began to come true for 700 people living in Nalat-Kokbok last July. Operation Blessing chose this rural community to be the site of the first Sanitary Healthy Model Village project.

Over the next several months, multiple bore-wells were dug giving everyone access to clean water. One hundred family latrine units were completed and young and old alike benefited from hygiene education. Additionally, Operation Blessing gave out mosquito nets to every family, ensuring they would be safe from the disease-carrying insects.

“We are very happy to be selected to be a sanitary healthy model village,” said village Chief Mr. Khamsi. “Thank you so much for all your kindness. We have so much happiness together. Please come back again soon.”

Returning to Nalat-Kokbok with a Medical Team
Operation Blessing did return to Nalat-Kokbok with a mobile medical team in December. The Laos Ministry of Health, the Savannakhet Provincial Hospital and the Provincial Health Office partnered with OBI to bring free healthcare to the people of Nalat-Kokbok. During the two-day mission, a team of 7 Laotian medical professionals and 14 Singaporean volunteers provided basic care to 437 patients as well as administered anti-parasite medication to the 60 percent of villagers who were suffering from intestinal worms. Three hundred children also received treatments to get rid of hair lice.

Meanwhile, Operation Blessing’s youth volunteer team assisted the villagers in painting and building the latrine shelters. In addition, they entertained 250 children through character-development skits, demonstrating brushing teeth, balloon sculpting, coloring and crafts. Each boy and girl went home with a box of crayons, a toothbrush, toothpaste and an animated video.

Operation Blessing’s work is not done in Nalat-Kokbok. Micro-enterprise projects and language training are planned for the near future.

OBI partners are helping to transform this village and other suffering communities like it around the world. Please join us in breaking the cycle of suffering.

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